The New York Giants attempted to rebuild their offensive line this offseason after the unit surrendered a league-high 85 sacks in 2023. General manager Joe Schoen identified a pair of veteran free agents who could bolster the unit, signing guard Jon Runyan Jr. and guard/tackle Jermaine Eluemunor to multi-year deals.
The Giants’ two new veteran additions on the offensive line were signed with the expectations that they would make an immediate impact. So far, that has rung true, as Runyan Jr. and Eluemunor have been serving as mentors for the rest of the offensive line.
Jermaine Eluemunor and Jon Runyan Jr. have been mentoring their teammates at Giants OTAs
In a report for the Giants’ practice which take place on Friday, June 7th, John Schmeelk of Giants.com shared some insight on the impact that the team’s new veteran offensive linemen have had so far:
“Veterans Jermaine Eluemunor and Jon Runyan Jr. have both been eager to spread their wisdom and help coach up their younger teammates,” Schmeelk wrote.
Eluemunor and Runyan Jr. stand out as the most experienced offensive linemen on the Giants’ roster. Between the two of them are 11 years of combined NFL experience and a combined 154 game appearances.
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Eluemunor and Runyan should serve as immediate upgrades on the Giants’ offensive line
The Giants’ offensive line ranked among the worst in the NFL last season. Their 85 sacks surrendered was the most by any team since 1990. Throughout the season, the offensive line combated injuries and failed to sustain consistent play. Inexperience also factored into the line’s lack of efficiency.
Adding some veteran talents was a priority for Big Blue this offseason. Runyan Jr. is regarded as a highly efficient pass-protecting guard. He was tied for sixth in interior offensive line Pass Block Win Rate at 94% in 2023. He also surrendered only 17 pressures and one sack from Week 5 to Week 18 last season (per PFF).
With Runyan Jr. and Eluemunor in the starting lineup, the Giants’ offensive line is expected to be significantly improved in pass protection. In a chart posted by Open Source Football’s Ben Baldwin, the Giants ranked 13th in the NFL in 2024 Pass Protection Expectations. The chart aims to guess offensive line strength given the five starters listed on Ourlads and their past performance in pass protection (as measured by grade):
Alongside Eluemunor and Runyan Jr. in the starting lineup will be second-year center John Michael Schmitz, third-year right tackle Evan Neal, and veteran left tackle Andrew Thomas. The development of Schmitz and Neal will be critical factors in the success of the offensive line. Eluemunor and Runyan’s commitment to mentoring the youth on the roster could pay dividends as the Giants hope to see their young players grow in 2024.