Fansided

NFL mock draft: Don’t mess with Texas

By Brad Weiss

Jan 1, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) passes against the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) passes against the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
26 of 32
Next
Jan 1, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles tackle Lane Johnson (65) in a game against the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. The Philadelphia Eagles won 27-13. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles tackle Lane Johnson (65) in a game against the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. The Philadelphia Eagles won 27-13. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
26

Lane Johnson

Offensive Tackle, Groveton, Texas

The New York Giants took another step forward in 2017, making past the Wildcard Round and into the Divisional Round. However, their offensive line continued to be an Achilles Heel, as starting quarterback Eli Manning was sacked on way too many occasions. Manning is starting to get up there in age, and the Giants cannot afford for him to have another season like he did in 2017.

In order to bolster their line, the Giants selected Lane Johnson with the No. 26 overall pick. Johnson’s struggles with discipline have been well-documented during his time in the NFL, but the Giants feel they can keep him on the right path. He has a killer instinct when it comes to the game, and they need that kind of fire on their offensive line.

Johnson, when on the field, is arguably the best right tackle in all of football, and showed why during the 2017 season. He was able to stay out of trouble, and the Eagles had the best tackle tandem in the league. The big fella will stay in the NFC East in 2018, but now he will be protecting the enemy in Eli Manning.

On the Giants, Johnson is going to make the move toward the left side of the line, replacing Ereck Flowers at left tackle. The move enables Flowers to move to the right side, where he is definitely more suited. It is a win-win for the Giants, who will head into 2018 as the favorite to win the NFC East once again.

.

Home/NFL