New York Giants full 2018 NFL mock draft

Round 2 – Pick 34

Will Hernandez, G, UTEP

If the Giants are going to commit to Eli Manning for the foreseeable future, they need to keep him healthy. As it stands right now, the offensive line in New York is a work in progress. The addition of Nate Solder solidified Manning’s blindside protection. It seemingly moved former draft bust Erick Flowers to the right side, which may not help him much. On the interior the team has a ton of questions. They lost center Weston Richburg to the San Francisco 49ers. Guard and former first round pick Justin Pugh left for the Arizona Cardinals. The line in New York will look drastically different in 2018.

This is a deep guard class that the Giants should take advantage of. Will Hernandez out of UTEP is getting buzz in the first round. His ceiling is likely around the Cowboys first round pick at 19. This pick in the second round should be his floor. Hernandez is a plug and play starter, especially for a team with holes at the guard spot.

He is a massive guard with the ability to push interior defensive lineman off the ball. His feet and hand usage are great, especially considering he is coming from a small school. A strong showing at the Senior Bowl helped elevate his draft stock. New York would be wise to grab a player that can fit between Solder and center Brett Jones.