Top OL Targets for the Giants in the NFL Draft | 965

Talkin’ Giants (Giants Podcast)1h 6mApril 14, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

In this episode of Talkin' Giants, hosts Justin Penick and Sean Morash dive deep into the top offensive line prospects for the New York Giants in the 2026 NFL Draft, emphasizing the team's urgent need at the position despite lacking a third-round pick. The discussion centers on the depth and quality of the offensive line class, with a focus on players like Francis Moe Noah, Spencer Fauno, Venga Ioane, Chase Basanti, Keelan Rutledge, Travis Burke, and Fabecchi Weewoo. The hosts debate the ideal draft strategy, weighing the risks of staying at pick five versus trading back to accumulate more picks and target a guard later in the draft. They highlight Moe Noah as a top-tier prospect with elite pass-blocking skills and a clean, balanced game, while also expressing concerns about his potential transition to guard. Venga Ioane is praised as a potential steal in the teens due to his aggressive style and elite run-blocking traits. The episode concludes with a breakdown of the 'Fanatics 5-0' — a ranked list of preferred draft strategies, with the top choice being a trade back to 37 and selecting a guard like Basanti or Pregnone. The hosts stress the dangers of not having a third-round pick and the vulnerability of being targeted by teams looking to snatch a guard at 37.

Key Takeaways
1

The Giants are in a precarious position at pick 5 and 37 without a third-round pick, making their offensive line strategy high-risk.

2

Francis Moe Noah is a top-10 prospect with elite pass-blocking ability and a clean, balanced game, though his transition to guard is uncertain.

3

Venga Ioane is considered the best guard in the draft and a prime target if the Giants trade back into the teens.

4

Chase Basanti and Keelan Rutledge are strong second-tier guard options with high upside, especially if the Giants trade back.

5

The Giants should avoid staying at pick 5 and risk losing a guard to a team that knows they’re desperate for interior help.

…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
10 min

The Giants' Offensive Line Crisis and Draft Strategy

The thing with that is that there are 35 other outcomes that the Giants have no control over that they would need to be hoping doesn't happen so they can get the guy that they want, which is why I don't like that they put themselves in this situation.

Highlight
10:00
10 min

Francis Moe Noah: The Top Prospect with a Guard Question

He's the definition when you try to teach to a young kid how to play offensive line. Hey, get down there. You know, the, like your old uncle would say, right? The low man wins.

Highlight
20:00
10 min

Spencer Fauno: The Aggressive Finisher with Technical Gaps

Fauno is praised for his aggressive style and finishing mentality, but criticized for weaker anchor strength and technical flaws compared to Moe Noah. The hosts question the Giants’ top-30 visit with him, calling it a potential misfit.

30:00
10 min

Venga Ioane: The Best Guard in the Draft

This screams, I've done a lot of the that's an Eagles pick. This is a Cowboys pick.

Highlight
40:00
10 min

Chase Basanti and Keelan Rutledge: Late-First Round Guard Options

Basanti is highlighted for his elite hands and young age, while Rutledge is praised for his toughness and run-blocking ability despite injury history. The hosts debate whether either could fall to 37 and be worth a late-first-round pick.

High-Impact Quotes
If you look at this one of two ways, does that scare the crap out of you? Or does it look at you like, man, if this dude could overcome that, that's a different degree of mental nasty than you could envision.
Justin Penick50:19
Viral: 90.0
My number one preference on how I want the Giants to attack the O-line. They don't make a trade, sit there at 37. And for me, it's Besantis or it's Pregnon. I will be happy.
Sean Morash63:22
Viral: 88.0
The thing with that is that there are 35 other outcomes that the Giants have no control over that they would need to be hoping doesn't happen so they can get the guy that they want, which is why I don't like that they put themselves in this situation.
Sean Morash64:31
Viral: 85.0
Speakers

Hosts

Justin PenickSean Morash
Topics Discussed
Offensive Line Draft Strategy95%Guard Prospects90%Draft Trade Backs88%Tackle Prospects85%Player Evaluation and Fit82%Team Needs and Positional Value80%Mental Toughness and Finisher Mentality78%Top 30 Visits and Scouting75%
People & Brands

New York Giants

other

45xPositive

Francis Moe Noah

person

25xPositive

Sean Morash

person

20xPositive

Venga Ioane

person

18xPositive

John Harbaugh

person

16xPositive

Justin Penick

person

15xPositive

Chase Basanti

person

14xPositive

Keelan Rutledge

person

13xPositive

Spencer Fauno

person

12xMixed

Dane Brugler

person

10xNeutral

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