Will Big Blue Finally Get the Offensive Line Right This Season?
With the first week of Giants training camp in the books, we now look ahead to padded practices, fan overreactions, and one giant concern heading into the 2025 season:
The Offensive Line Strikes Again
As a concern, that is.
The offensive line has been a glaring issue for over a decade now. Heading into the 2024 season, the red flags were everywhere: lack of depth, mounting injuries, and underwhelming player development. Fast forward to 2025, and here we are — still talking about the exact same problems.
You could argue the real question is: Why can’t the Giants ever seem to get the offensive line right?
Year after year, they add new pieces through the draft or free agency, and yet the result remains the same: a fragile O-line that can’t protect the quarterback, open up running lanes, or execute a basic quarterback sneak let alone stay healthy.
Giants fans are justified in their frustration. Football is won in the trenches. It starts and ends with the offensive line. It’s a game of inches, and those inches make or break drives, games, and entire seasons. The offensive line is the foundation of any offense and in the Giants’ case, it’s been crumbling.
Despite a fresh looking quarterback room, the O-line remains largely intact from last season… and that’s not exactly comforting.
Let’s Talk Personnel
John Michael Schmitz (JMS)
Entering Year 3, JMS continues to underperform. For someone drafted as high as he was, his lack of physicality and consistency is concerning. Reports out of camp suggest a rough start — botched snaps and overall subpar play. At what point do the Giants stop prioritizing being “right” about a draft pick and start prioritizing performance? (See: Daniel Jones.) If JMS doesn’t step up fast, the Giants may need to explore other options at center. Possibly Greg Van Roten depending on what happens with Evan Neal.
Evan Neal
Neal is now wearing the “bust” label and so far, it’s not entirely unfair. Inconsistent, injury-prone, and visibly uncomfortable at tackle, he’s drawn plenty of Ereck Flowers comparisons. The good news? He’s finally getting reps at right guard in camp. Too early to say if it sticks, but it’s a move in the right direction.
Greg Van Roten (GVR)
Currently taking first-team snaps at right guard and showing promise. GVR is a valuable utility player who could also move to center if JMS continues to struggle but that flexibility depends on whether Neal is ready to own the right guard role.
Andrew Thomas
He is starting camp on the PUP list, but that’s more precautionary than panic-worthy. The Giants expect him back soon, and Head Coach Brian Daboll says they expect Thomas to be ready for Week 1. He’s also been spotted working with trainers on the field during camp. While his injury history is concerning, Thomas is critical to this offense and they’re wisely prioritizing long-term health.
Jon Runyan Jr.
Rehabbing from ankle surgery but expected to return soon. His pass protection will be crucial for the Giants’ upgraded passing game.
Jermaine Eluemunor
Arguably the most reliable O-lineman last season, Eluemunor continues to exceed expectations and will be a key piece heading into the final year of his contract.
Depth Check
The additions of James Hudson III and Stone Forsythe (free agency) and Marcus MBow (NFL Draft) give the Giants some much-needed depth. But the question remains: Will that be enough?
The Giants were graded the worst team in pass protection last year and gave up 48 sacks. Can health, depth, and another O-line shuffle fix that?
Hope springs eternal — but if you’ve been a Giants fan long enough, you know to be cautiously optimistic.
Let us know in the comments:
Will the Giants finally fix the offensive line this season? Or are we in for another year of the same old story?
