Giants offensive lineman Nick Gates lines up during a preseason game against the Jets at MetLife Stadium on Aug. 8, 2019. Credit: Daniel De Mato
Nick Gates wasn’t even drafted when he came out of Nebraska two years ago. He’s started three games in his NFL career, mostly in emergency step-in roles late last season. He easily is the least recognizable and most overlooked of the offensive linemen the Giants currently have on their roster.
And he very well may be the fulcrum on which the team’s draft plans pivot next week.
The Giants clearly have needs at offensive line and general manager Dave Gettleman, on a conference call Monday, all but promised he would address those needs early and possibly often in the draft.