As the New York Giants upgrade the team roster the question this week is about giving Josh Ezeudu the opportunity to win the left guard position. . As 2nd year GM Joe Schoen and head Coach Brian Daboll make new investments in the offense with receivers such as Darren Waller, Parris Campbell, and 3rd round pick Jaline Hyatt the Giants will be looking to improve on last year’s 25th ranked passing attack. In addition, returning to the team after completing rehab off of injury will be Wan Dale Robinson and Sterling Sheperd.
Offensive Coordinator Mike Kafka and Brian Daboll have patterned the Giant offense from their most recent coaching experiences, the Bills and the Chiefs. A solid offensive line is imperative for the Giants to have a passing attack that really mimics the Bills and Chiefs. Left guard is currently a perceived weakness on the offensive line. Ben Brederson is listed with the first team on the depth chart, followed by 2nd year Joshua Ezeuda. Coming off of a neck injury, I expect Ezeuda to win the starting job in camp.
Opportunity for Josh Ezeudu
Dalton Risner has played the last four years in Denver. Injury free, Risner has been a steady force on the offensive line. He is looking for a big contract in free agency. It hasn’t happened, and Dalton Risner remains a free agent. Should the Giants bring in Risner?
In my 2019 write-up of collegiate prospects, this is what I wrote in regards to Risner: “Ran a 5.3 at the Combine. Adequate, not great. Watched clips of Risner against Sweat of Miss State, DE, a Top 10 prospect this year. Risner held his own. Solid pass protection. Not a mauler like Ford on the run. Some question of whether Risner is a right tackle, or should be moved to the inside, as he has relatively short arms. At 23 reps on the bench, not overly impressive. (Guys with short arms should be able to bench more reps than someone with longer arms” Risner, at 6’5”, had played offensive tackle at Kansas State, I had him as a 3rd round prospect. He was taken in the 2nd round by the Denver Broncos. Is Dalton Risner an upgrade over Joshua Ezeuda?
Ezeuda and Risner
Ezeudu was taken in the 3rd round by the New York Giants last year. both players were initially viewed similarly. Josh Ezeuda as a pure offensive guard, and Risner as tackle that converted to guard. A 3rd round pick should be able to make the starting unit, and make it fairly quickly. I want to see the Giants give Ezeuda the opportunity to become the starting left guard. Spending limited resources against the cap on another guard is an admission of sorts that Ezeuda has been a failure. Far from it. The team needs to play him and give him important repetitions. The money not spent on Risner will come into play during the season when a replacement needs to be signed due to some unfortunate injury.
Barry Schustermann
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