As the Giants limp to the finish line in 2019, it's a time for players to self-evaluate.

One of those players is offensive lineman Nate Solder, who told The Post that he is "first on the list" of Giants who need to perform better.

He was even open to the idea of changing positions, saying that he'd "do whatever it takes to be successful on this team."

While the team surely appreciates the 31-year-old's willingness to be flexible, it's not likely what they had in mind when they inked Solder to what was, at the time, the largest contract for an offensive lineman in NFL history.

After spending the first seven seasons of his career with the Patriots, Solder joined a beleaguered offensive line with the Giants in 2018. But at the all-important left tackle position, general manager Dave Gettleman hoped he'd found an anchor in Solder, someone who he could call one of his prized "hog mollies."

It hasn't gone according to plan. Pro Football Focus has Solder ranked as the No. 42 tackle in the league this season.

So now, with the Giants unlikely to be able to draft a possible game-changer on defense in Ohio State's Chase Young, the Giants may select an offensive lineman instead. It's possible that could mean a shift to the right side for Solder, who's confident he can make the switch if asked.

"Some things translate over; some things you have to re-adjust your thinking," Solder said. "It's kind of like a right-handed person trying to write left-handed. You are not going to be as fluid and natural at it, but you can train yourself. You can do well and be successful."

The Giants need more than just Solder to get better if they want to compete in 2020, but finding the best place for one of their highest-paid players to succeed would be a good start.

Popular in the Community