:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62838052/usa_today_11187927.0.jpg)
The New York Giants completely rebuilt their offensive line over the course of 2018. However, it isn’t a surprise to anyone who watched them last season that they need to continue to build their line, both for 2019 and for the future.
Their most immediate needs are for a right tackle and center to fill in around Nate Solder and 2018 second round pick Will Hernandez. But while the Giants are locked in to Solder at left tackle for now, he is over 30 and an expensive player. It would behoove the Giants to have a tackle in the pipeline who could allow them an option to move on from Solder should they decide to exercise the “out” built in to his contract.
The Miami Hurricanes’ left tackle, Tyree St. Louis, could be just such a prospect. The red-shirt Senior is, so far, unheralded. However, he has intriguing tools and could be an option if he slips in the draft
Measurables
Height: 6-foot 5 inches
Weight: 314 pounds
Arms: 34 1⁄2 inches
Pros
- Athletic blocker, quick feet.
- Great short area quickness.
- Active hands.
- Long-limbed, generally uses length well to keep rushers off his chest.
- Looks for work.
- Can lock down a rusher when his hips stay low.
- Has played both left and right tackle, starting 34 straight games
Cons
- Balance appears to be an issue.
- Tendency to play over his toes and not sit back in his stance.
- Footwork occasionally has some wasted motion.
- Occasionally appears lost at the second level.
- Occasional lunging leads to getting beat by speed.
Prospect Video
(St. Louis is the left tackle, number 78)
What They’re Saying
“While St. Louis isn’t a finished product, he does standout out in a weak crop of offensive tackles in the ACC. He has the traits needed to emerge if it all comes together.”
- Joe Marino (The Draft Network - Tyree St. Louis Draft Profile)
Does He Fit The Giants?
The Giants need to both upgrade their starting offensive line as well as the depth and future of the unit, so St. Louis would be a fit. He isn’t a mauling run blocker, instead preferring to use his proficiency with angles to seal off would-be defenders from running lanes. His quick feet, agility, and overall athleticism make him a solid fit in zone blocking schemes.
That athleticism also means that he should be able to stay at tackle in the NFL, and his experience at both right and left tackle likely slots him in as a swing tackle early in his career. If he can learn to sit back into his stance and play with better (and more consistent) hip bend, that should fix his problems with lunging and unlock his play strength. If he is able to do that, he could have starter upside.