The New York Giants added veteran talent to their offensive line this offseason in an effort to finally fix their problems up front once and for all. One of the team’s big acquisitions on the offensive line was Jermaine Eluemunor, who signed with Big Blue to reunite with offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo.
Eluemunor previously played for the Las Vegas Raiders where Bricillo was the offensive line coach before being hired by New York. Under Bricillo, Eluemunor enjoyed the best seasons of his career before cashing in with the Giants this offseason.
As the Giants enter the summer with their starting five offensive linemen still undetermined, they will be relying on Eluemunor’s versatility to hold things together. Eluemunor’s ability to play more than one position could solve one problem that has been looming over the Giants all offseason.
Jermaine Eluemunor says he can “do it all” on the offensive line
Throughout OTAs, the Giants had Eluemunor primarily taking reps with the first team at left guard. This was a bit of a surprise for some as Eluemunor had previously played right tackle with the Raiders. Many expected Eluemunor to continue to play on that side of the line when he signed with the G-Men.
Eluemunor spoke with reporters after Wednesday’s minicamp practice, explaining the position change and stressing his ability to “do it all” on the offensive line:
“If you watch my career over the last seven years you’ve seen I started left guard, left tackle, and right guard and right tackle,” Eluemunor explained to reporters via Giants.com. “I can do it all. I just want to be out there.”
Eluemunor has mostly been practicing at guard during OTAs and minicamp, however, his starting experience at right tackle could come in handy during the season. The Giants could soon be forced to make a change at the position.
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The Giants have trouble brewing at right tackle
In what is expected to be a crucial third season for right tackle Evan Neal, the Giants need to begin planning for the worst. Neal is still sidelined while recovering from ankle surgery that he had at the end of last season. As a result, he was unable to participate in any drills during OTAs and mandatory minicamp.
Neal needs to show up and show out at training camp next month to keep his starting job. If Neal cannot get and stay healthy nor elevate his game to a quality standard, Eluemunor could be the man for the starting gig by Week 1.
