Get to Know Prospective Giants Draft Target Luke Wypler
The New York Giants need the center position this offseason thanks to the departures of veterans Nick Gates (Commanders) and Jon Feliciano (49ers) via free agency. With the NFL Draft right around the corner, general manager Joe Shoen and head coach Brian Daboll might be planning to address the center position in the first few rounds of the draft.
One particular prospect, who seems to be as intriguing as any at his position, should be on the Giants' radar: Ohio State’s Luke Wypler.
Wypler, a New Jersey native, was an All-Big Ten Center en route to helping the Buckeyes reach the College Football Playoffs last season. The year prior, the 6-foot-3, 303-pound lineman did not allow a single sack.
According to NFL Draft Bible, Wypler has sound technique and consistently looks for additional work in pass protection. He is rarely off-target with his snap. Additionally, he has good feet and a stout base. Despite being one of the younger prospects in the draft (21 years of age), he has a lot of potential. He'll be even better if he can learn to hold blocks on the move and improve his balance.
Wypler also has a hunger for competition. When asked at the Combine how his strong performance against Georgia in the College Football Playoff Semis influenced his decision to turn pro, Wypler said it had an impact.
"This game’s all about competition," he said. "And when you play some of the best defensive linemen in the country, and we held our own and excelled, that factored into my decision.”
Wypler's strong football IQ is also a plus for teams looking to add a smart player who has seen a lot from his perspective within the trenches. In the pre-draft process, teams like the Texans, Buccaneers, and Bills have met with him.
“(They) Just have you drawing up defenses, plays, that kind of thing,” Wypler described. “Kind of just double-check and make sure you know your things and all that’s gone well for me.”
The former high school All-American wrestler will do whatever it takes to help the team that selects him, including playing at guard if that's what is wanted.
“I’m excited to see wherever I get drafted and whatever a team wants to do with me. I’ll play any position. If they want me to play kicker or quarterback, I’m there. So it doesn’t matter what the duty is. I know I’m gonna give it my best.”
Wypler is willing to do whatever it takes to support his teammates and help his team win. Those are two key attributes to have, especially for the offensive line captain. A young team like the Giants, who have re-discovered their winning ways again, could benefit from a player like Wypler.
Besides his athletic prowess, Wypler has a lighter side. In high school, he performed standup comedy twice while recovering from a torn labrum.
“It was part of an open mic, and it was a lot of fun," he said. "I got my labrum (surgery) done, and I had a few months doing nothing, so I picked up a hobby to keep myself busy…I tried my best. I wasn’t the greatest of all time. But I enjoyed it. Maybe later in life, I’ll go back to it.”
Compared to football, the St. Joseph High School alum said comedy made him “more nervous” than playing football. “Football, I know what I was able to do and what I’m capable of,” Wypler said. “And with that (standup), that was something new that I’ve never done before.”
Wypler can bring a locker room together with his lighter personality that mixes well with his endless thirst for football knowledge. The Giants could pounce if he is on the board on Day 2.
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