Can the 2026 Giants OL Give Their Sophomore QB Enough Protection?
The New York Giants have made many changes to their offensive line. Big Blue recently cut stars from the team that were drafted and brought in to make an impact. However, they failed to do so in the Brian Daboll era. New Head Coach John Harbaugh wants his offensive line to make explosive plays and get points on the board. Along with that, he needs his quarterback, Jaxson Dart, protected at all times.
Harbaugh built a solid offensive line. The new head coach kept on players such as Andrew Thomas, Jon Ruyan Jr., John Michael Schmitz, and Jermaine Elumenor. All players have done their best to protect Dart from being tackled this season. Harbaugh ran multiple drills with them this offseason. Not only do they have bigger players to protect the young quarterback, but they have also brought in Francis Mauigoa, who is expected to take over the right guard position. Hopefully, he will keep opponents from getting to his quarterback. Keeping the Ole Miss alums is a priority.
In 2025, Dart was sacked 48 times due to his offensive line. This number is concerning, given that he is the future franchise quarterback for Big Blue. If he goes out, the team may struggle to make plays happen, despite Jameis Winston, whom they would then need to protect. The 2025 first-round pick has also had to deal with possible concussions and the blue tent in nearly every other game because he has not been protected. However, this offensive line may turn things around this season.
Each player needs to do what their role calls for to make sure that Dart doesn’t land in the blue tent. Thomas is one of the most important pieces of this puzzle as long as he stays healthy. Eluemunor gives the Giants experience at right tackle. Runyan and Schmitz provide continuity inside, giving Dart more time. Mauigoa adds another powerful presence to the unit by ending the run and letting the first-round pick get the ball out.
For 2026, Big Blue needs to make it happen. If they put in the work and protect the young quarterback, they may not have many issues getting the ball out. Dart will even have the chance to run if they can pull off each play they are trying to make. New York has invested everything into this 23-year-old quarterback. There are definitely going to be changes in New York this season.
