Summary

Drafted: Round 2, 34th overall (2018).
Draft year / team: 2018 (New York Giants).
College: UTEP.
Key career numbers (NFL): multi-year starter with 60+ NFL games played and many starts across Giants/Dolphins/Cardinals; has held starting guard reps since rookie year (see game log/stats). Career analytic marks have been uneven — high college grades and promise, with mixed pro grades from PFF in recent seasons.
Career accolades & notes: elite college PFF grades (2016), projected early in the 2018 draft cycle; pro career has included solid run-blocking flashes but inconsistent pass-pro grades and an ACL injury in 2024 that affected availability. Widely regarded as a physical, powerful interior lineman with good lower-body anchor and run-game intensity; character described in team bios and reports as competitive and hardworking. PFF

Strengths

• Powerful, physical run blocker — consistently shows downhill drive, anchor, and ability to finish blocks at the second level. PFF

• Compact base and leverage — plays with low pad level which helps him initially win inside battles and sustain blocks. Giants

• Prototype guard size and mass with surprising mobility for his build — can get movement on combo blocks and reach linebackers in space when asked. Pro Football Reference

• Experience as an early-round draftee who started immediately — shows pro snaps and tenure starting since rookie year, which is valuable for line continuity.

• Toughness and competitive demeanor — scouting reports and team notes emphasize his motor and physical approach to the game. Giants

Weaknesses

• Pass protection consistency — PFF and other evaluators have flagged uneven pass-blocking grades at the NFL level; can struggle with speed-to-power rushers and longer defenders. PFF

• Length concerns for elite NFL edge defenders — not especially long-armed for an interior lineman, which can allow rushers to work under his pads on occasion. Giants

• Injury history / availability — suffered a significant knee (ACL) injury that ended a season and impacted playing time; availability and recovery trajectory are factors for roster planning.

• Pass pro technique polish needed — needs improvement in hand placement, mirror steps and slide efficiency to be consistently reliable in pass sets. PFF

Fit & Outlook

Will Hernandez is a classic power-oriented NFL guard who projects best in schemes that emphasize a physical, downhill running game and ask guards to win in short areas — zone or gap-blocking schemes that pair him with athletic tackles and a mobile interior can maximize his strengths. Teams that prioritize mauling in the run game and don’t require elite space mirroring on every passing rep will find him valuable. Recovery from a significant ACL injury and his recent PFF pass-pro grades put some risk on his short-term ceiling; however, his college pedigree (high PFF grades) and proven starting experience mean he can be a high-value depth starter and a spot starter who still offers quality run-game play when healthy.