4. New York Giants – Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa
Analysis by Arrowhead Addict contributor Thomas Welte
For better or worse, Giants general manager Dave Gettleman is dedicated to an old-school approach to build the Giants roster and Tristan Wirfs fills a huge need up front. There are some who project Wirfs inside at guard, but even if that were the case, Wirfs has All-Pro potential.
Wirfs may not be the best tackle in this class, but he may very well be the best offensive lineman. Wirfs provides valuable protection for the cornerstones of the franchise: Saquan Barkley and Daniel Jones. The Iowa lineman blew people away at the NFL Combine, but he has four years of tape at a school with an impressive pedigree for producing NFL linemen. Wirfs is the first freshman to ever start on the line under Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz.
The offensive tackle class is deep this year, but Wirfs is the perfect combination of size, strength, and technique that Gettleman would be foolish to pass on.
The Giants have a lot of needs, and with the Dolphins sitting at pick 5 and the top two quarterbacks off the board, New York may get some calls from a team wanting to leapfrog Miami for Justin Herbert. The Giants could likely land Wirfs if a team like the Chargers or Panthers wanted to make a move.
Regardless of the potential for a trade down, Wirfs represents excellent value. Best case scenario, Wirfs is a franchise left tackle for the next decade. If Wirfs has to kick inside at the professional level, his floor as a guard is still high. The Giants have needs at both positions, so this is a win-win for New York.
The Giants may be tempted to grab an elite defender in Isaiah Simmons or Jeff Okudah here. Both of those players would be great additions, but ultimately the Giants should prioritize supporting their past two first round picks-especially protecting quarterback Daniel Jones. (Thomas Welte)
Other Players Considered: Isaiah Simmons, LB, Jeff Okudah CB