The New York Giants have made it a priority to upgrade the offensive line, here’s how the rank out internally.
It’s hard to imagine the Giants featured Bobby Hart and Ereck Flowers as starters just two years ago. Did I forget to mention John Jerry and the ever-injury Justin Push? Weston Richburg seemed to be the only decent player on the line, but general manager Dave Gettleman came in and ensured that the unit was upgraded completely.
Flowers was one of the biggest busts in recent history — he was solely one of the worst players I have ever witnessed played the left tackle position. I’ve honestly seen turnstiles stop people in their tracks more frequently and effectively.
Just two seasons later, the offensive front has been overhauled and looks daunting on paper.
Ranking the New York Giants offensive line:
1.) RG Kevin Zeitler
I don’t think people truly understand how influential right guard Kevin Zeitler is going to be for the Giants. If you recall in 2018, the moment Jamon Brown was claimed off waivers and earned a starting role the team began to play better. PFF ranked him as the #62 guard last season.
Zeitler ranked in at #6. Yes, we are talking an astronomical difference in talent and efficiency. The former Brown is an absolute stud in the run and pass game. He will open up holes big enough for Saquon Barkley to swim through in the run game and provide Eli Manning with more time to throw the ball from the pocket. He should also contribute to the elevation of the right tackle position whether it’s Mike Remmers or Chad Wheeler being featured.
2.) LT Nate Solder
The $62 million dollar man made a true impact in 2018 for the Giants. He started the season off rough, but it was primarily due to the difference in drop back between Tom Brady and Eli Manning. Brady takes a far shorter drop back in the pocket allowing Solder to push incoming pass rushers behind him. Manning drops further back which resulted in Solder leading his assignment right into him.
This issue was solved after the BYE week, finishing as the #21 tackle in football. I imagine that ranking will improve after improving over the course of the season. He will earn his big-money contract in the coming season. His chemistry with LG Will Hernandez will prove to be impactful.
3.) LG Will Hernandez
The Giants’ second-round pick from 2018 showed Pro-Bowl potential in his rookie season. He’s a bull in the trenches and has fantastic hands in regards to locking up interior defenders. His strong base and foundation allow him to plant like an oak tree, stopping pass rushers in their tracks.
I anticipate Hernandez improving in 2019 — a player with a chip on their shoulder always proves to be more effective. The fact that Hernandez ranks as the third-best lineman on the starting unit is quite impressive.
4.) RT Mike Remmers
Basing Remmers’ talents off his past, he’s a capable option that secures the right side of the line alongside Zeitler. I like what he has to offer in the pass-game but after having back-surgery this past offseason it’s yet to be season how effective he will be. For all we know, it could help him return to his former glory, or it could see his talents degrade.
He will battle with Chad Wheeler for the starting job, but I imagine he will earn the featured role.
5.) C Jon Halapio
Don’t get this wrong, I like Halapio, but he was a reserve player before earning a starting chance for the Giants last season. In played in just two games last season before breaking his leg and landing on injured reserve.
He will return fully healthy and ready to compete which is exciting, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see Spencer Pulley give him a run for his money.