Two Senior Bowl offensive line standouts John Harbaugh should consider for the Giants in the 2026 NFL Draft
The New York Giants needs to take a look at these two Senior Bowl standouts in the 2026 NFL Draft
The upcoming NFL Draft for the New York Giants could be transformational. The right moves could turn the franchise into a playoff team in 2026. They’ll need to find quality starters in later rounds in order to accomplish this.
Arguably, the most important issue new head coach John Harbaugh needs to effectively address is the offensive line as a whole. While the offensive line has improved, it needs to step up even more in 2026. They either need to find new starters at guard and tackle or at least bolster depth with late-round picks.
Fortunately, this class features several prospects that can serve as solutions in either role. Two prospects in particular at the Senior Bowl performed very well and could be selected by the Giants. That being Georgia Tech G Keylan Rutledge and Arizona State OT Max Iheanachor.
Georgia Tech G Keylan Rutledge
Rutledge stood out this week for his consistency. With a ridiculous challenge of facing a defensive line group that was kicking everyone’s butt, he was one of the few linemen to rarely lose.
While Rutledge may not be a flashy, uber-athletic prospect, he makes up for it with understanding what he needs to do to keep defenders at bay and in front of him. He accomplished this by maintaining a wide base, mirroring with good balance, and establishing his hands on the inside of his man’s body.
The play below was a perfect example of this. Texas Tech DT Lee Hunter was ruining everyone’s week, but Rutledge quietly shut him down with a fantastic tape.
A play like this lacks excitement. And that’s exactly what you want from a guard; win so effectively that no one even notices you.
Rutledge ultimately provides the Giants the opportunity to pick him on Day 3 as a backup with the upside to eventually start. That feels like a sound strategy to raise the floor of the offensive line.
Arizona State OT Max Iheanachor
The 2026 offensive tackle class has an undefined bucket of Day 2 prospects, and it’s unclear who will go first. This week in Mobile was the perfect opportunity for some of those prospects to separate themselves and lead the pack as potential early second-round picks.
The one man who clearly separated was Iheanachor.
One thing that stood out was his length and his ability to use it to win. His success during one-on-one drills while at right tackle should have Harbaugh’s attention.
I love this one rep from practice, where you see him spring out of his stance, and then his ability to keep Auburn’s Keyron Crawford at bay.
While Jermaine Eleumunor had a solid year in 2026, it would behoove the Giants to pursue a younger option. I ultimately think Marcus Mbow would be better suited to guard and should have the chance to start this year. Taking Iheanachor to then slot in at right tackle at the beginning of round 2 makes all too much sense.
New York Giants News
John Harbaugh should take a close look at these two linebackers shining at the Senior Bowl for the Giants’ 2026 NFL Draft
The New York Giants and John Harbaugh need to keep an eye on these linebackers at the Senior Bowl in the 2026 NFL Draft
