The New York Giants have not made much offensive line progress under general manager Joe Schoen, according to the latest NFL ranking ahead of training camp.
Within a document shared with Heavy, Pro Football Network ranked the Giants’ offensive line 28th in the NFL just before the start of camp and the preseason. Another way to describe that placement would be fifth-worst for the entire league.
Big Blue’s exact O-line grade was a 62.5, or D- in letter grade. Two teams fell within the same grade range, the 29th-ranked Cincinnati Bengals (60.2) and the 27th-ranked Miami Dolphins (62.7).
Pro Football Network Explains Giants’ 2025 Offensive Line Ranking
Below was Pro Football Network’s rationale for placing the Giants this low in the 2025 ranks:
The New York Giants have endured their share of disappointing campaigns, and last season was no exception.
The struggles of their offensive line played a central role in the team’s difficulties, continuing a trend that has persisted for several years. Last season, the Giants’ offensive line allowed a pressure rate of 38.4%, ranking 28th in the league.
This poor performance occurred despite quarterbacks releasing the ball relatively quickly, averaging a 2.76-second time to throw. The pressure statistics were troubling regardless of whether defenses blitzed, and the sack rate data suggests that the Giants’ quarterbacks might have masked some of the line’s deficiencies with their ability to escape pressure and improvise.
On the ground, the Giants’ offensive line fared somewhat better, but still not enough to compensate for their pass-blocking struggles. The team ranked 20th in running back yards before contact per rush (0.87), but frequent deficits forced New York to abandon the run game early and rely heavily on the pass, which limited the impact of any ground game success.
Calls for the Giants to upgrade their offensive line have been persistent for more than a year. While the organization has made attempts to address the issue, significant progress remains elusive.
Given the offensive line’s ongoing struggles, it is somewhat surprising that both General Manager Joe Schoen and Head Coach Brian Daboll have retained their positions heading into 2025. While quarterback performance is always critical, the Giants’ ability to rebuild and improve their offensive line will be just as crucial in determining the team’s fortunes next season.
Giants’ 2025 Offensive Line Must Stay Healthy & Build Chemistry Throughout Training Camp
PFSN makes several strong points throughout their argument for this year’s NYG OL ranking.
One of the more eye-opening statements was when they relayed that “the sack rate data suggests that the Giants’ quarterbacks might have masked some of the line’s deficiencies with their ability to escape pressure and improvise.”
Daniel Jones’ legs provided Daboll with a dual-threat quarterback for years, but the former first-round pick failed in other areas, like trusting his deep ball and finding the open wide receiver.
The good news is that neither Russell Wilson nor Jaxson Dart is totally immobile, so hopefully Daboll will continue to find ways to work quarterback movement into the playbook when applicable.
As fans know, the key for the Giants in turning this area around will be health, above all else.
Star left tackle Andrew Thomas has not started 15 or more games since 2022, logging just 6 starts in 2024. Left guard Jon Runyan Jr., right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor and center John Michael Schmitz all missed two or more starts last season, too, with right guard Greg Van Roten being the only NYG offensive lineman to start every outing.
Ironically, Van Roten’s starting job appears to be the most up for grabs this summer. Although there’s no clear candidate to replace the 35-year-old at this time.
Among the most likely options are former first-round pick Evan Neal, second-year UDFA Jake Kubas, and versatile draft pick Marcus Mbow.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Giants Take Heat for ‘Elusive’ Failure Ahead of Training Camp appeared first on Heavy Sports.