There\u2019s no hiding the disaster that occurred on the offensive line for the New York Giants this past season. This catastrophe affected the offense as a whole, as this foundational issue caused all units to see a decrease in production compared to last year\u2019s numbers. For an organization that is put in \u201cwin-now\u201d mode, this issue has to be treated with priority by the front office and coaches to ensure any chance at success in the near future. For this week\u2019s position review, let\u2019s take a closer look into the offensive line.<\/p>\n
After being drafted ninth overall in the 2015 draft by the New York Giants, Ereck Flowers<\/a><\/strong> hasn\u2019t showed the production or technique that team personnel were expecting. His first year with the team was sub-optimal, as he battled an injury while starting at left tackle fresh out of college, a massive role for someone with no professional experience. This performance was followed by yet another poor season, for the Miami product was not able to show significant improvement in his sophomore season. The 2016 season was his year to prove he was the team\u2019s best option at starting left tackle, but that wasn\u2019t the case. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), he finished the season with a grade of 48.4, while his counterpart Bobby Hart<\/a><\/strong> at right tackle finished with a grade of 41. Given these ratings, this gives the Giants the worst pair of tackles in the NFL, something that can\u2019t be ignored going forward.<\/p>\n It\u2019s clear now that there isn\u2019t somebody on the roster capable enough of starting at left tackle, so it\u2019s in the team\u2019s best interest to look elsewhere. There\u2019s too much invested in Flowers to completely abandon ship, but his time at the position needs to come to an end. Perhaps the smartest move would be to move him back to right tackle where he played in college and allow someone else a chance to step up and become the next tackle protecting Eli Manning<\/a><\/strong>\u2019s blind spot. The Giants are, without question, going to be playing musical chairs with the offensive line this offseason in hopes to provide a quick fix to the issue. But before they can attempt this, they need to first figure out where they\u2019re going to play Flowers in order to properly acquire players at the accompanying positions.<\/p>\n Despite the atrocity at both tackle positions, the Giants finished 20th<\/sup> in offensive line rankings by PFF. The reason for this ranking being higher than one might expect is the interior build of the line. The center and both guards had solid seasons and proved they weren\u2019t the main issue for the front office to worry about. In fact, left guard and 2013 first-round pick Justin Pugh<\/a><\/strong> had an excellent year ranking 16th<\/sup> in overall lineman rankings with a grade of 85.1. His partner John Jerry<\/a><\/strong> at right guard had an impressive year as well. Although his run blocking abilities are a concern, he showed strength at pass blocking which was rated an 84.1 by PFF. Last but certainly not least, starting center Weston Richburg<\/a><\/strong> had similar struggles with run blocking, but also proved to be efficient in pass blocking, earning him a grade of 89.1 in the category.<\/p>\n This year\u2019s draft has a few standout lineman who look ready to take on the challenge of the starting role, but unfortunately for the Giants, it\u2019s extremely unlikely one falls to the 23rd<\/sup> pick. The interior of the Giants\u2019 offensive line could use some depth as well, but it\u2019s not by any means a bigger priority than left or right tackle. This being said, if Jerry Reese<\/a><\/strong> and company are going to select an offensive lineman in the first\u00a0round, it has to be a tackle rather than a guard or center. There\u2019s little talent at the tackle position in the draft this season outside of Cam Robinson<\/strong> (Alabama) or Mike McGlinchey<\/strong> (Notre Dame), so it\u2019s safe to assume these prospects will be selected in the top 20, falling just outside the Giants\u2019 reach.<\/p>\n The next rated tackle on most experts\u2019 draft boards is Ryan Ramcyzk<\/strong>, the left tackle out of Wisconsin. The projected first round pick has had a number of stellar performances showing off his pass blocking skills as well as demonstrating his ability to open up holes for the rushing attack. Both of those are something this New York offense desperately needs to get the ball moving. With a similar frame as Ereck Flowers, he stands at 6\u20196″, 300 pounds and has garnered the consensus that he still isn\u2019t even at peak strength. Given an NFL conditioning program, this should be an easy fix and advantage that could bolster his physical talents to dominate in his play. Of course, Ramcyzk comes with his downside as well. He played the 2016 season battling a hip injury and on January 5th\u00a0had hip surgery that will put him out four months. If all goes right he should be ready to start by the start of the season, which is good news considering he\u2019s most likely going to be the best player at the position by the time the Giants are on the clock.<\/p>\n All the teams in the market for an offensive lineman can thank the New York Jets for completely running up the price tags on potential players. This is due in part to the re-signing of Brian Winters<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0which included a four-year deal worth about $8 million annually. This contract was the first for an offensive lineman this season and has set the bar quite high considering that Winters was significantly overpaid for the output he\u2019s provided. For all the better and big-name players, this means even more money will have to be spent in order to convince someone to sign.<\/p>\n To address the tackle problem in free agency may seem like the best alternative given the Giants are in \u201cwin-now\u201d mode, but is it something they can afford? The team still has to handle the contracts of Jason Pierre-Paul<\/a><\/strong>, Johnathan Hankins<\/a><\/strong>, and multiple linebackers while staying concerned for next years\u2019 breakout player contacts. Although the decision to bring in talent from elsewhere is ideal, it\u2019s also more than likely going to be too expensive to pursue an elite player the team needs. With a lot of notable names in fee agency this year, the market has its options, but will require other players taking pay-cuts or renegotiating current contracts in order to free up space. After all, football is a team sport, and if their eyes are focused on winning a Super Bowl, they have to be willing to not receive as much financial return.<\/p>\nInterior Upside<\/h3>\n
2017 NFL Draft<\/h3>\n
Free Agency<\/h3>\n