With Solder’s opt out, Giants forced to start two rookie OTs
By Cory Kinnan
The Giants will start Andrew Thomas and Matt Peart right away in 2020
The New York Giants are hoping to build themselves back up after the unsuccessful era under Pat Shurmur. While new head coach Joe Judge is looking for success with second year quarterback Daniel Jones, doing so with two rookie offensive tackles was probably not on his wish list.
However, after Nate Solder opted out of the 2020 season earlier this week, the Giants will now be forced to thrust first and third round picks Andrew Thomas and Matthew Peart into action right away. While the plan may have been for Thomas to step in from day-one, the high upside Peart needs some time to transition to the NFL.
Expect growing pains early on in 2020 for Giants
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Transitioning from the college level to the NFL is always an adjustment for first year players, however the offensive tackle position tends to show those growing pains more than others. While Thomas’ learning curve may not be as steep given how technically sound he was tabbed to be coming out of the University of Georgia.
The opposite of the line, however, with Matthew Peart may be a bit of a rougher transition. Peart has been tabbed as the prospect with an ideal frame and athletic makeup for the offensive tackle position, but is relatively raw in his technique coming out of the University of Connecticut.
Giants forced to readjust their sights
With Solder on the roster, the Giants were banking on giving Peart time to learn, absorb, and take in all of the coaching he could take. Instead now, Peart will have to prove he can grow via trial by fire.
Next. Alabama’s Christian Barmore has the potential to be DT1. dark
A year ago, Jones led the league in fumbles as the Giants struggled to keep him upright. It would be a shock at this point to see much of a change in 2020, at least early on.