New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen had one priority after taking over following Dave Gettleman’s retirement. Schoen wanted to improve the offensive line considerably but was cash-strapped with massive contracts bloating the roster. He was forced to settle for more cost-efficient players and utilized draft capital to inject more talent into the trenches.
The biggest two OL additions:
The two biggest additions were Mark Glowinski, who signed a three-year, $18.1 million deal, and Evan Neal, who was drafted 7th overall out of Alabama to serve as the new starting right tackle.
Daniel Jones and his development was the primary catalyst behind investing heavily into new offensive linemen. However, the biggest benefit of these additions might end up being Saquon Barkley in the running game. It takes time for young players to adjust to NFL-level edge rushers, but run-blocking can often translate far more proficiently and seamlessly.
Given Neal’s staggering size and power, he will play an integral role in opening up running lanes for Barkley and the entire running back core. Barkley is coming off a season where he recorded 593 yards and just two rushing touchdowns. He played in 13 games, suffering an ankle injury against the Dallas Cowboys, which kept him out for several weeks. Barkley has proven to be injury prone since his elite rookie campaign back in 2018, where he posted over 2000 all-purpose yards.
However, the once coined “gold jacket” player is looking to resurrect his career under the leadership of Mike Kafka and Brian Daboll. A modernized offensive scheme will go a long way toward extrapolating on his strengths, but a better unit upfront will be the catalyst in his success.
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The New York Giants landed a great value player in Mark Glowinkski:
Looking at Glowinski specifically, he earned a 70.6 overall run block in grade last year with the Indianapolis Colts, per PFF. The Colts have one of the most efficient rushing attacks in football, and Glowinski played an integral part, specifically dominating during the second half of the season.
Having a veteran guard alongside Evan Neal will go a long way in helping him adjust to the NFL level. Glowinski isn’t considered an elite guard by any means, but he fits the Giants’ scheme well at 6’4″ and 310 pounds. He is aggressive and quick to reach his assignments, giving Barkley more opportunities to expose gaps at the line of scrimmage.
Saquon has already shot back at his critics after three years of dismal performances. However, he seems reinvigorated and ready to dominate during the 2022 season. The pieces around him might be the best he’s had since his rookie season, which should suggest a resurgent campaign if he can stay healthy.