Remember when the New York Giants’ offensive line was a laughing stock? After the 2018 NFL Draft, that’s no longer the case.
The New York Giants offensive line has been the team’s weakest position for the past several years. But thanks to general manager Dave Gettleman, that will not be the case in 2018.
He made two key free agent signings in Nate Solder and Patrick Omameh and then drafted stole Will Hernandez with the 34th overall pick in last week’s draft.
For the first time in a long time, Eli Manning has an above-average line protecting him, one that will open holes for the running game.
With the moves the Giants have made they will have a new starter at every position from Week 1 of last year.
Here’s a look at what the Giants offensive line looks like following the draft.
Left Tackle: Nate Solder
In signing Solder as a free agent, the Giants upgraded their biggest position of need and that’s to protect Eli Manning’s blindside. It’s was time for the Giants to move on from the Ereck Flowers experiment at left tackle, and now they have one of the best left tackles in the league.
He’ll bring out the best in what Manning has left, and will open running lanes for first-round pick Saquon Barkley.
Left Guard: Will Hernandez
The Giants and many other teams felt Hernandez could have gone in the first round, so when he fell to Big Blue in the second round (34th overall) it was one of the steals of the draft. This is one of the reasons out very own Rick Weiner gave the Giants overall draft an A-.
The 6-foot-3, 330-pound Hernandez is a tough and physical lineman, and with him paired with Solder on the left side, they’ll be able to wear down opposing linemen and linebackers.
Center: Brett Jones
Jones started 13 games for the Giants last season in place of the injured Weston Richburg. The Giants liked what they saw from Jones and believe he can continue to improve, which is why they didn’t bring back Richburg, who signed with the San Francisco 49ers.
Right Guard: Patrick Omameh
Omameh started 13 games last season for the Jacksonville Jaguars at left guard and was one of the reasons the Jaguars had the number one rushing attack in the league.
Making the change from left guard to right guard won’t be an issue for Omameh, as he spent time during his first two seasons in the league at right guard when he played for the Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Right Tackle: Ereck Flowers
To say Flowers has struggled at left tackle in his three seasons with Big Blue would be an understatement. That’s why, despite not being present at the team’s organized team activities, the plan is to move him to right tackle.
There have been reports that the Giants were looking to trade Flowers during the draft, but since they did not come to fruition and the with money that he’s owed, it’s safe to assume that he’ll be on the team this season.
The #Giants tried to trade Ereck Flowers during draft, per source. No takers at their price. https://t.co/XZ2f6cQa8i
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) April 30, 2018
Hopefully, moving Flowers to right tackle will benefit him since he’ll face fewer elite pass rushers as the Giants try to salvage the last year of his contract.