5 things you need to know about the Giants' second round draft pick:
With the second pick in the second round (34th overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft, the New York Giants selected guard Will Hernandez from University of Texas at El Paso. Here are five things to know about the new Giant:
1. Hernandez started all 49 games played during his career at the left guard position. He was one of six Miners in school history to earn AP All-America honors, and the first to receive back-to-back AP All-America honors. He was also the first UTEP offensive lineman ever to earn back-to-back all-conference first-team honors.
- NFL.com scouting report: Hernandez possesses a rare combination of power, balance, and athletic ability. He is a plus run blocker with the anchor and footwork to handle himself in pass protection as well. Though he lacks height and length teams would like, it shouldn't hurt his stock much. Hernandez did nothing but help his cause at the Combine and he has a great shot of going in the first round and becoming a Pro-Bowl caliber guard.
- Strengths: Has a broad waist with a thick trunk. Possesses impressive natural movement for his size. Flexible and agile. Knee bender able to unlock his hips and explode into opponents at point of attack. Base is wide and steady. Has the feet and the force to keep run blocks sustained and centered. Contact balance and body control are excellent. Plays with an aggressive, finishing demeanor on every snap. Flashes outstanding upper body strength to turn defenders out of the run lane. Once he digs his hands into an opponent's frame, they are done. Feet are nimble and quick. Quality pull blocker and has feet to mirror most pass rushes. Plus lateral movement. Keeps head back and back flat in pass pro. Able to ride opponents beyond the quarterback when they get to his edge. Has an instant stop-and-drop anchor. Joined boxing and powerlifting gyms just for fun. Loves the game and loves the process.
- Combine measurements:
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 327 lbs.
Arms: 32"
Hands: 9 7/8"
Bench press: 37 reps (1st among OL)
40-yard dash: 5.15 sec.
Vertical: 24"
Broad jump: 104"
3-cone drill: 7.59 sec.
20-yard shuttle: 4.7 sec.
- Born in Las Vegas, Hernandez played three years of varsity ball as an offensive guard and defensive tackle at Chaparral High School. He was recognized as All-Conference on both offense and defense while also competing on the wrestling and track & field teams as well.
