The New York Giants start training camp on Wednesday morning, but prior to the beginning of the off-season program, General Manager Joe Schoen announced that newly signed free agent offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor would start at right tackle.
Giants Will Continuously Evaluate Offensive Line Throughout of Training Camp
Both Eluemunor and new offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo spent last season with the Las Vegas Raiders. Their chemistry and familiarity should significantly support the Giants’ offensive line efforts.
Eluemunor, 29, a Bricillo product, was solid last season in a crucial position. He played 779 snaps at right tackle and 125 at left tackle. For the most part, he held his own in a spot the Giants desperately needed to address, at least until Evan Neal returns from injury.
Evaluating Evan Neal’s Role
The Giants spent the 7th overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft on Neal, but he has struggled with his development over the past two years. Coming off off-season surgery, the 23-year-old has a tall task ahead of him, and he shouldn’t be handed a starting job; he needs to earn his next opportunity.
Neal played only 460 snaps last season, giving up 29 pressures and two sacks. In fact, he gave up more pressures in about half the snaps that Jermaine played, which suggests the Giants have a better option and they shouldn’t be afraid to use him. Eluemunor signed a two-year, $14 million deal, so the Giants need to see if he can be their long-term solution at a weak spot.
Positional Flexibility and Strategic Moves
Eluemunor had been taking snaps at left guard, with the Giants trying to give him a bit more flexibility in case they need him to move around next season. He has experience at nearly every spot but left guard, so head coach Brian Daboll has tremendous value at his disposal.
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Nonetheless, management made the right decision to move Eluemunor over to right tackle, his strongest position. If they’re keen on protecting quarterback Daniel Jones, who is coming off an ACL tear, this should have been an easy decision from the start.