2012 NFL Draft: 5 Offensive Linemen the New York Giants Should Consider

Once the reliable cornerstone of the team's success, the New York Giants offensive line has become a liability. Age and injuries have contributed to a considerable dip in the performance of a fine veteran group.

Strengthening the front five is a priority heading into the 2012 NFL draft. There are plenty of credible options for the G-Men to consider.

Ohio State tackle Mike Adams is a popular pick for the Giants with the 32nd overall selection. Then there are prospects like Mississippi's Bobby Massie and Florida State's Zebrie Sanders. Both would offer excellent value in the middle rounds.

Here are the five best offensive line prospects that Big Blue should consider adding via the draft.

1. Bobby Massie, T, Mississippi

Bobby Massie has the size and aggressive streak to add some real toughness and physicality to the right side of the Giants line.

The 6'6", 316-pound right tackle explodes off the snap and has the long arms and violent hands technique to keep pass-rushers at bay and seal the edge in the running game. He plays with excellent balance and a high level of tenacity.

The question surrounding Massie is his work ethic. The physical tools are certainly there, but concerns about consistent effort remain. However, the Giants may feel that a veteran roster will help teach Massie some good habits and could convince them to use a second-round pick on the Ole Miss standout.

2. Zebrie Sanders, T, Florida State

Zebrie Sanders has also been blighted by inconsistency at the collegiate level. However, the left tackle does have the versatility and potential to quickly become a success in the Giants' blocking schemes.

Sanders is particularly effective at pulling and trap blocking. This is crucial for a Giants offense that still contains plenty of run-game principles from the Erhardt/Perkins system, which required linemen to excel on the move.

The 6'6", 320-pounder also offers the ability to play at either tackle spot—an advantage for a team with question marks at both positions. What Sanders does lack is intimidating upper body strength and pro-level initial quickness.

This could encourage a move to guard, but it could also be offset by the player's natural technique and smarts. Overall, Sanders would make an enticing option for the Giants in the fourth round.

3. Mike Adams, T, Ohio State

Mike Adams can be questionable in pass protection, but he blocks for the run with the kind of attacking demeanour that could spark a revival for the Giants' 32nd-ranked rush offense.

At 6'7" and 323 pounds, Adams is a massive body at left tackle. He uses his width to his fullest advantage, but he could improve his footwork.

He is an effective pull and trap blocker thanks to excellent use of leverage. However, as a standing protector, Adams needs to move his feet quickly and avoid lunging out of his stance to guard the edge.

These issues can all be solved with quality coaching and a commitment to refining his technique. If the Giants are willing to overlook the rough edges, Adams could be their starting left tackle this season.

4. Brandon Washington, G, Miami (Fla.)

Brandon Washington is an ideal fit to play guard at the next level. The 6'3", 320-pounder has the stout frame and natural leverage to knock open plenty of running lanes along the interior of Big Blue's front five.

Washington is a brute-force run-blocker who uses his long arms and aggressive streak to overwhelm defenders at both the first and second levels. He is an outstanding pulling guard thanks to precise footwork and underrated upper body strength.

A drawback to Washington's game is the tendency to sometimes play too high. He has also had problems controlling his weight.

However, if he is taught technique and encouraged to condition himself better, Washington has the skills to easily justify a third- or fourth-round selection.

5. Ben Jones, C, Georgia

David Baas struggled as the pivot man of the line in 2011 after arriving from the San Francisco 49ers as a free agent. Georgia's Ben Jones could be an upgrade at the position and allow Baas to shift out to guard.

Jones possesses outstanding quickness off the snap and excels blocking for trap plays. He has good overall movement skills and is able to slide out and along the line of scrimmage effectively.

Jones would need to improve his hand placement and demonstrate more consistent balance and leverage. He can be outwitted by more varied pass-rush moves.

However, as a third-round choice Jones represents good value and could quickly fill a position of need for the Giants. He is a strong run-blocker and can handle calling line signals.

The Giants Can't Risk Leaving the Line as It Is

Big Blue cannot afford to begin their title defense with the same offensive line combination that played last season. Protecting Eli Manning is the key to the team's success, along with achieving true balance as an offense.

Neither of these things will be possible without improved play upfront. How early they target the area in the draft will reveal how confident the Giants are in their veteran core.

The line needs an infusion of youth, tenacity and athleticism if it is to return to its best. The players on this list can provide immediate competition to the aging incumbents and all fit the schemes that the Giants favour.