A glimpse at how the Giants could attack the offensive line, defensive line and edge rushers in the upcoming NFL draft:
The “under construction’’ sign affixed to the offensive line cannot be taken down just yet, even with the free agent signing of Nate Solder to play left tackle and Patrick Omameh to move in as a starting guard. A need and desire remains to add talent the Giants will do so early in this draft. Keep an eye in the second round on Will Hernandez of UTEP, a mauler who could start at guard from Day 1. Depth at offensive tackle could also use upgrading.
Damon “Snacks’’ Harrison remains an anchor in the middle of the defensive line, and Dalvin Tomlinson put together a promising rookie season. With the move to a 3-4 front, the need for numbers up front decreases slightly. Kerry Wynn was re-signed for depth but Josh Mauro, a free-agent pickup from the Cardinals, will miss the first four games sitting out a suspension. A mid-round move for an interior lineman is certainly possible.
The Giants (27 sacks) were one of the worst pass-rush teams in the NFL in 2017, and their leader in sacks, Jason Pierre-Paul, was traded to the Buccaneers. Help is definitely needed. Olivier Vernon will now be in a two-point stance as an outside linebacker most of the time. The second-overall pick is not too high for Bradley Chubb, by far the top defensive line prospect in this draft.
Top five offensive linemen
Quenton NelsonAP1. Quenton Nelson, Notre Dame, 6-5, 329
Easily the best guard and best offensive lineman in the draft, a powerhouse New Jersey product who could be the top overall player coming out of college this year.
2. Isaiah Wynn, Georgia, 6-2, 302
Started at left tackle as a senior but probably better-suited to be an athletic pulling guard in the NFL.
3. Kolton Miller*, UCLA, 6-8, 310
Great size for a left tackle, reminds many of Nate Solder, longtime Patriots quarterback protector who signed huge contract with the Giants.
4. Will Hernandez, Texas-El Paso, 6-3, 330
If you are looking for a bullish guard capable of mauling people in the running game, look no further than this powerhouse.
5. Mike McGlinchey, Notre Dame, 6-8, 312
Huge frame, excellent technique and strength but his footwork might be more suited to right tackle than left tackle.
Late riser
Tyrell Crosby, Oregon: Played in just two games in 2016 as a junior because of a leg injury but rebounded to start 13 games at left tackle as a senior and was named Pac-12 Offensive Lineman of the Year.
Dropping fast
Orlando Brown, Oklahoma: Enormous human being with awesome run-blocking potential but was such an athletic dud at the scouting combine that red flags were raised.
Small school wonder
Alex Cappa, Humboldt State: Aggressive left tackle showed what he could do at the Senior Bowl working against big-school defensive prospects.
Top five edge rushers
1. Bradley Chubb, N.C. State, 6-4, 270
Prototype NFL-sized edge rusher might be better against the run than he is going after the quarterback and hits the mark in every intangible.
Marcus DavenportGetty Images2. Marcus Davenport, Texas-San Antonio, 6-6, 259
Dominated lover level of competition and needs refinement but what an athletic specimen.
3. Josh Sweat*, Florida State, 6-5, 250
Has the length and explosiveness NFL coaches drool over, overcame devastating knee injury in high school to emerge as a top prospect.
4. Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, Oklahoma, 6-1, 242
Does not have ideal height, but helped his cause with a huge senior year (eight sacks, 17.5 tackles for loss) for the Sooners.
5. Jeff Holland*, Auburn, 6-2, 249
This is what a linebacker-sized NFL edge rusher looks like. Had 10 sacks this past season and is a high-effort guy.
Late riser
Sam Hubbard, Ohio State: Flashed sack ability as a senior, a skill-set that will vault him up draft boards.
Dropping fast
Arden Key, LSU: Special athlete, although too lean, a boom or bust type who missed time last season with personal issues and injuries.
Small school wonder
Ja’Von Rolland-Jones, Arkansas State: The level of competition is suspect, but you have to notice this production: 13 sacks, 19 tackles for loss.
Top five defensive linemen
Vita VeaGetty Images1. Vita Vea*, Washington, 6-5, 344
Massive man who rag-dolls opposing linemen and is a physical freak, evidenced by his 5.1 time in the 40-yard dash and his 41 bench press reps at the scouting combine.
2. Da’Ron Payne*, Alabama, 6-2, 308
This guy knows the way to the weight room, as seen in his muscular physique.
3. Taven Bryan*, Florida, 6-5, 293
Got to Gainesville from Casper, Wyo., and shows flashes of special athletic ability.
4. Harrison Phillips, Stanford, 6-4, 285
After playing alongside Solomon Thomas (the second pick in the 2016 draft), Phillips blossomed, with 100 total tackles in 2017.
5. Derrick Nnadi, Florida State, 6-1, 312
Not much of a pass-rush threat, but he is a bona fide run-stopper.
Late riser
Rasheem Green, USC: Helped his stock with 10 sacks this past season and helped himself at the scouting combine, running 4.73.
Dropping fast
Maurice Hurst, Michigan: He might be the top interior lineman in this draft, but irregular heartbeat diagnosis shut him down at scouting combine and his medical evaluation will tell the tale. He was able to participate in Michigan’s Pro Day, which should alleviate some concerns, and will go in first round.
Small school wonder
Nathan Shepherd, Fort Hays State: Strong showing at the Senior Bowl helped his draft stock rise.
* underclassmen


