N.Y. Giants: No Hiding Flowers In Newly Constructed Offensive Line

From the desk of:  DO IT FOR THE DUKE

Dave Gettleman spends big bucks and a 

second round pick to refortify offensive line.

New York Football Giants: Dave Gettleman did more to overhaul the offensive line in his first off-season than did former general manager Jerry Reese over the last six years.

The day after winning Super Bowl XLVI, should have been the day Jerry Reese started deconstructing and rebuilding his offensive line.  He did no such thing.  Which is part and parcel why Reese is no longer employed by the Giants.

This year's helmet crashers will feature three brand new members.  But with Ereck Flowers shifting over to the right side, and Jon Halapio moving to center, all five positions will have a new starter in place.

Gettleman paid the necessary premium in order to secure free agent left tackle Nate Solder.  His four year, $62 million dollar contract makes Nate the NFL's highest paid lineman.  But that's the price the Giants needed to pay in order to rectify an untenable situation (where it concerns Eli Manning's ability to play upright).  Solder was Tom Brady's blind side protector for the last seven years, and won two Super Bowls with the Patriots.  He instantly becomes the anchor of this unit.  His four line mates would be wise to follow his lead.

With their second pick in the 2018 draft, the Giants select left guard Will Hernandez.  He's 6'4", 327 lbs., and when on the field is said to be mean as a rattlesnake.  At one point during training camp, he and B.J. Goodson engaged in a minor altercation and needed to be separated.  That's good!  And I couldn't be happier with this selection.

Jon Halapio takes over at center.  Exactly why, I'm not quite sure, because it's not his natural position. But it would seem he simply demonstrated better ability and agility at the position.  Listed at 6'3", 315 lbs., I certainly don't mind the switch.  Brett Jones last year played fairly well in place of the since departed Weston Richburg.  But this is clearly Coach Shurmur's decision, whom like Gettleman is seemingly doing everything possible to separate themselves from last season's mess.

In March, Gettleman signed former Jacksonville Jaguar right guard Patrick Omameh to a three year deal.  How he fairs playing next to Ereck Flowers remains to be seen.  There's an obvious and necessary role for both him and center Jon Halapio to play in helping Ereck Flowers successfully negotiate four quarters of football.

Banned from the more critical left side, Ereck Flowers has been reassigned to right tackle.  His next move should be out the door.  The switch simply means Eli Manning will get to look his would be attackers in the face (as opposed to being hit from behind).  Flowers is still a liability opposing defenses will look to exploit - only difference being he'll now be appearing on their left.  No sooner than Week One will Jacksonville let the Giants know exactly where they stand with regard to Ereck Flowers.

Many of the Giants most recent failures have been largely blamed on an inept offensive line.  While Dave Gettleman did well to enact sweeping changes in just one off-season, some questions never change, such as can this new offensive line both satisfactorily protect an older Eli Manning and create sufficient daylight for rookie Saquon Barkley? 

The Giants first game of the season against a stout Jacksonville defense will go a long way towards answering these questions, and more.