We’re looking at potential second- and third-day draft prospects
The New York Giants added a number of veteran players in free agency a year ago who helped stabilize the offensive line, at least while the group was healthy. This year, they have kept the band together by re-signing Greg Van Roten and Aaron Stinnie. They also added help on the fringes with the additions of swing tackle candidates James Hudson III and Stone Forsythe.
What the Giants have not successfully done during Joe Schoen’s tenure as GM is add quality young players to the pipeline. Only one of four offensive linemen drafted by Schoen — center John Michael Schmitz — has become at least an adequate starter.
A year ago, the Giants did not even draft a single offensive lineman.
That has to change this year. The way the 2025 NFL draft is expected to unfold, it seems highly unlikely the Giants will be using a Round 1 pick on an offensive lineman. So, let’s focus on some of the intriguing Day 2 and Day 3 possibilities for the Giants in the upcoming draft.
Additions: OT James Hudson III, OT Stone Forsythe
Losses: None
Roster: Starters — Andrew Thomas (LT), Jon Runyan Jr. (LG), John Michael Schmitz (C), Greg Van Roten (RG), Jermaine Eluemunor (RT); Reserves — Austin Schlottman (C-G), Bryan Hudson (C), Jimmy Morrissey (C), Jake Kubas (G), Josh Ezeudu (G-T), Stone Forsythe (T), James Hudson III (T), Aaron Stinnie (G), Evan Neal (T)
Draft need: Starting-caliber guard/developmental tackle depth (Day 2 or Day 3)
Day 2 options
GUARD
Tyler Booker, Alabama — The powerful Crimson Tide guard has a Round 1-2 grade from Dane Brugler of The Athletic. If he is somehow available at No. 34 and the Giants aren’t using that pick to select or trade for a quarterback, he has to be a consideration. Brugler calls Booker “an immediate starting guard with the tools and competitive character that are easy to bet on.” [BBV Prospect Profile]
Donovan Jackson, Ohio State — Brugler has him listed as a tackle after he filled in well there for several games last season. For the Giants, he would be a plug-and-play starter at guard. [BBV Prospect Profile]
Tate Ratledge, Georgia — I am not sure how much upside there is with Ratledge, but he should be a solid player. Brugler says he “ has the necessary tools for a decade-long pro career.” Ratledge played almost exclusively at right guard, the position that may be available on the Giants offensive line. [BBV Prospect Profile]
Jonah Savaiinaea, Arizona — A right tackle in 2024, he also has 15 collegiate starts at right guard and many project guard to be his best position. Chris Pflum calls him “big, powerful, and surprisingly nimble” in his [BBV Prospect Profile]
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Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
TACKLE
Ozzy Trapilo, Boston College — My offensive line focus on Day 2 is, undeniably, adding a guard who could compete for a starting role and give the Giants a long-term option to replace 35-year-old Greg Van Roten. Tackle, with Andrew Thomas’s injury history and Jermaine Eluemunor in the final year of his contract, can’t be discounted. [BBV Prospect Profile]
I have mocked Trapilo to the Giants a few times late in Round 3 or in Round 4. I see him as a potential replacement for Elueumunor in 2026. in his BBV Prospect Profile, Chris says Trapilo “has all the tools to start at the NFL level, and at times looks like a first round prospect.”
Day 3 options
GUARD/CENTER
Jackson Slater, Sacramento State — A small school player who impressed at the Senior Bowl and has reportedly been rising up draft boards. Played guard in college, but has shown center/guard flexibility. Brugler says Slater “projects as a guard/center NFL backup with a chance to be more in the right situation.”
Wyatt Milum, West Virginia — A collegiate tackle, he is probably destined for guard in the NFL. He did, though, pique my curiosity by holding his own against Penn State edge defender Abdul Carter.
NFL.com says:
Milum possesses the frame and mentality of an NFL player. It’s hard to get excited about his prospects as a tackle due to his shorter arms, but there is no reason to believe Milum can’t bump inside to guard and offer tackle depth in a pinch.
TACKLE
Charles Grant, William & Mary — A small school player who was physically dominant while playing tackle at the FCS level. Brugler has a third-round grade on Grant, who might be a consideration for the Giants with picks 99 or 105. 33rd Team says Grant has “uncoachable levels of athleticism, length, and short-area explosiveness.” Grant could be a candidate to get a look at guard, as well.
Hollin Pierce — I love the 6-foot-8, 341-pound Pierce’s story, a 455-pound high school kid who walked on at Rutgers and made himself into a player with hard work. I had a chance to speak to him a few months ago, and he detailed his journey. Brugler says Pierce “projects as a swing backup in the NFL, with a chance to be more.” If the Giants can get him with one of their two seventh-round picks and he develops into a potential starter at right tackle that would be great value.
Ajani Cornelius, Oregon — I asked Chris if I had overlooked anyone, and Cornelius was the player he pointed out. All of his experience is at right tackle, though he may have ability to move inside to guard at the NFL level. [BBV Prospect Profile]
