New York Giants: What role will new offensive lineman Cam Fleming play in 2020?

New York Giants, Cameron Fleming

The New York Giants allocated most of their cap-space toward bolstering the defensive unit this offseason, but the offense did receive a bit of help, specifically with depth players.

Offensive lineman Cam Fleming was one of the Giants’ signings, having played with New England and the Dallas Cowboys in past years. He’s familiar with both Joe Judge and Marc Colombo, who was formerly Dallas’ OL coach.

According to Giants.com:

Fleming, 27, has played in 75 regular-season games with 26 starts and in 11 postseason games with two starts, including Super Bowl LII. The Patriots’ starting tackles in that loss to Philadelphia were Nate Solder and Fleming, who are again teammates on the Giants.

The Giants have lacked a true swing tackle to supplement injuries in the past, and Fleming can fill that role along with competing for the starting right tackle spot along with Nick Gates.

Gates, who played a bit at right tackle in 2019, has the ability to be a serviceable player on Daniel Jones’ vision-side, however, relying on him to be an everyday starter might be optimistic. Gates has audibly stated that he prefers to play guard instead of tackle, given his skill-set and comfort from experience.

One underrated aspect attributed to Fleming is his immense experience on successful teams. He has been a part of three Super Bowl teams and knows what a winning team looks like on the field and behind the curtains. In fact, a majority of the Giants’ free-agent signings have playoff experience and understand the expectations and requirements necessary.

What should the New York Giants expect from Fleming?

I wouldn’t bet all of my chips on Fleming becoming a starter, but creating competition at the empty tackle spot is an ideal scenario given the Giants don’t spend a draft pick on a new starter. Jedrick Wills, who’s the highest-graded tackle in the draft, could be a possibility for Big Blue, but he’s strictly a right tackle, which might not fit the bill for GM Dave Gettleman.

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