2020 NFL mock draft: The Giants REALLY need someone to block for Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley

Ed Valentine of Big Blue View is one of only a handful of people who have been involved with the SB Nation NFL writers’ mock draft longer than me. Over the 14 years of this mock draft, the Giants have picked everywhere from 32nd to second. And there’s been Ed, dutifully making the choice for the Giants.

This year, the Giants are in the No. 4 slot in the first round. New York struggled to a 4-12 record. It was the third consecutive season of five wins or fewer. That meant Pat Shurmur is out as head coach and Joe Judge is in. Judge inherits a team that has taken running back Saquon Barkley and quarterback Daniel Jones in consecutive first rounds.

The trouble is, the protection in front of them — particularly at both tackle positions — is not good. The Giants gave a big contract to Nate Solder, who has been average. The team also signed right tackle Cameron Fleming this offseason. But is that enough? Based on Ed’s pick it is not.

Valentine: Without the ability to trade down a few spots, which might be the Giants’ best option in the actual draft, they face a clear choice. That choice is between Isaiah Simmons, the linebacker/safety/do-it-all defender who seems to be versatile, athletic prototype for modern defenses, or whoever they believe to be the best offensive tackle in this draft class.

For years, at Big Blue View I have espoused a “build from inside out” philosophy. The Giants have struggled to do that, ignoring the offensive line for too long and then getting the draft choices/free agent signings wrong when they did address it. I would understand choosing Simmons. My own philosophy on team-building, and the importance of protecting Jones and maximizing Barkley, make it imperative that I take another swing at trying to upgrade an offensive tackle position that needs help.

Analysis: Although Simmons would be a fun choice for the Giants, an offensive tackle is the smarter pick. The bigger issue about this selection should be whichever offensive tackle fits the Giants the best. The choice should be between Wirfs, Mekhi Becton of Louisville, and Jedrick Wills of Alabama. Of those three, Becton is the most proven at left tackle. Wills was almost exclusively a right tackle in college, and Wirfs played more right than left as well. But from a talent standpoint, Wirfs is the better player to me. It might be a situation in New York where you bring him in and see where he fits. Then put either Solder or Fleming at the other spot.

Coming up at 11 a.m. ET is Kevin Nogle from The Phinsider to make the first of three first-round picks for the Miami Dolphins.