Fansided

New York Giants free agency 2017: Top 5 targets

By James Dudko

Dec 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears offensive guard Ted Larsen (62) and Washington Redskins defensive end Chris Baker (92) in action during the game at Soldier Field. The Redskins defeat the Bears 41-21. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears offensive guard Ted Larsen (62) and Washington Redskins defensive end Chris Baker (92) in action during the game at Soldier Field. The Redskins defeat the Bears 41-21. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next
Nov 7, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Buffalo Bills tackle Jordan Mills (79) defends during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks defeated the Bills 31-25. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Buffalo Bills tackle Jordan Mills (79) defends during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks defeated the Bills 31-25. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Jordan Mills, RT, Buffalo Bills

The Giants would be taking too big a risk entering the 2017 season without upgrading the right side of their offensive line. Spending the money needed to bring Jordan Mills down from Buffalo would be doubly beneficial for Big Blue.

Mills, all 6’5″ and 316 pounds of him, is a massive right tackle. He would instantly upgrade an anaemic running game that produced only 30 runs of 10 yards or more last season, per Sporting Charts.

Contrast that lowly figure with the 77 big plays on the ground a Buffalo Bills rushing attack Mills knocked open holes for managed. The Giants need Mills’ level of run blocking in 2017.

Mills didn’t miss a start last year after refining his game in order to mature into a quality starter. He’s certainly at a level above last season’s starter Marshall Newhouse.

The Giants know they need a right tackle, but might have already missed out on Andrew Whitworth, who recently told SiriusXM NFL Radio he may stay with the Cincinnati Bengals:

In truth, Mills offers more upside for the Giants as a younger linemen who would solve their biggest blocking issue.

Next: NFL Power Rankings: 30 Best RB of All-Time

Fortifying both lines has to be the priority for the G-Men during free agency. But it’s almost as important for the Giants to recruit a back able to stabilize a feeble running game, along with a clutch tight end to complement the big plays of Shepard and Odell Beckham Jr.

Home/New York Giants