Although reserve lineman Jon Halapio has taken first-team snaps for the New York Giants during OTAs, I wouldn’t rule out Brett Jones just yet.
Jones finished the season as the starting center in 2017 after Weston Richburg was ruled out with a concussion for the remainder of the year. Richburg claimed he could have returned, but keeping him out allowed Jones to make his mark and prove that he can handle a starting role for the seasons ahead.
How good was Jones?
According to PFF, Jones earned a pass-block grade of 83.2, ranking third out of all centers in the NFL.
#Giants center Brett Jones earned an 83.2 Pass Block grade last season, 3rd best among #NFL centers. ?? https://t.co/VA7zq5fUkd
— PFF NY Giants (@PFF_Giants) June 19, 2018
The Giants’ reserve lineman played in 13 games, recording 966 overall snaps, which was third most on the team behind Eli Manning and Ereck Flowers. In the games that Jones featured, he only allowed 10 pressures, five hurries, one hit, and one sack. Considering his snap count, that’s a great performance – his contract was extended one year, $2.914 million.
Despite going into camp with the assumption that he would hold the starting center job, Halapio has slowly taken the job from his hands and might be in the lead to secure it. Jones is just 27 years-old and is more than capable of filling in at either guard or center on the line. He’s a great reserve lineman given his versatility, but he will still be aiming to feature on the starting offensive unit.
On the bright side, Jones and Halapio are best friends, making the competition a healthy one which not only benefits them but the team as well. Hopefully, both can contribute their strengths to an offensive line that’s in dire need of starting talent and depth.