Giants Draft Will Hernandez in 2nd Round After Selecting Saquon Barkley in 1st

The New York Giants selected offensive guard Will Hernandez with the 34th overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft Friday. 

Hernandez should help open up running lanes for New York's first-round pick, Penn State running back Saquon Barkley.

The New York Post's Paul Schwartz believes Hernandez can help the Giants right away:

Here's how others reacted to the pick:

Prior to the start of the 2017 season, Bleacher Report's David Kenyon identified Hernandez as a player whose draft stock was set to climb in the year ahead.

"He's a sound pass-blocker who plays with a sturdy base, powerful run-blocker and violent finisher," Kenyon wrote. "Hernandez should be headed for his third straight All-C-USA award."

Kenyon's prediction proved accurate, as Hernandez was a first-team All-Conference-USA lineman in 2017. He was also a second-team Associated Press All-American.

Hernandez's momentum continued at the 2018 Senior Bowl, with the event's executive director, Phil Savage, speaking highly of his performance in Mobile, Alabama:

For some, Hernandez resembles four-time Pro Bowler Richie Incognito. Not coincidentally, Hernandez told New York Upstate's Matthew Fairburn that he tries to build his game in Incognito's image.

"Just the style of player," Hernandez said. "I just think that's the way football should be played. I mean, obviously he's way more advanced in technique and everything he needs to do and does it real clean and that's where I'm trying to get at, too."

Taking an offensive lineman—especially a guard—this early in the draft may not necessarily energize the Giants' fanbase. Watching a highlight reel of pancake blocks isn't quite as exciting as a long touchdown or acrobatic interception.

But there's no question Hernandez is a sensible pick for New York and should have an immediate impact on its offensive line.

Hernandez's 37 reps on the bench press were the most among offensive linemen at the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine, and he tied for the eighth-best 40-yard dash (5.15 seconds). He has the agility to stay with interior pass-rushers, as well as the strength and speed to open up running lanes at the point of attack and in the second level.

Few blockers in this year's draft class are as polished as Hernandez.

The Giants offensive line finished 15th in adjusted line yards and 10th in adjusted sack rate in 2017, according to Football Outsiders. Between selecting Hernandez and signing Nate Solder, the line should take a big step forward in 2018.