5 breakout stars to watch for New York Giants in 2020

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 09: David Mayo #55 of the New York Giants argues a no call with back judge Terrence Miles #111 during the fourth quarter after a Philadelphia Eagles touchdown at Lincoln Financial Field on December 9, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Philadelphia defeats New York in overtime 23-17. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 29: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Will Hernandez #71 of the New York Giants in action against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium on December 29, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Philadelphia Eagles defeated the New York Giants 34-17. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

4. G Will Hernandez

Back in 2018, general manager Dave Gettleman was out to fix the team’s offensive line. The club had allowed “just” 34 sacks the previous year but veteran quarterback Eli Manning spent the season running out of the pocket to avoid the rush. So the New York front office gave big money to former New England Patriots’ left tackle Nate Solder. And after two seasons, the franchise is still waiting for the huge investment to pay off. He struggled in his first season with the team and via Pro Football Focus (subscription required), the nine-year NFL veteran allowed 11 sacks in 2019.

But that same year, Gettleman did use an early second-round pick on UTEP guard Will Hernandez and he has been a solid performer for the team in each of his first two campaigns in the league, starting all 32 games. But there’s certainly a lot of room for improvement from the 6’2”, 327-pound performer. While the massive pro has excelled when it comes to pass protection according to Pro Football Focus (72.5), his grade when it comes to run blocking (45.7) is sub-standard at best. It’s something Hernandez and the coaching staff must address this summer. But this is a player that has the potential to excel at both aspects of his game.

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