Top Positions The New York Giants Need To Invest In After 2018

New York Giants, JJ Watt
Sep 23, 2018; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) rushes the passer against New York Giants tackle Chad Wheeler (63) at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Whether it be draft capital or salary cap space, the New York Giants need to allocate a healthy amount of resources to strengthen some of the weaker units on the team. At this point in the 2018 season, it seems as if every position is in dire need of support, but allocating assets towards the offensive and defensive line is always a smart move.

Taking a look at the top positions of need for the New York Giants:

For the Giants, the top position of weakness is at right tackle. Eli Manning has been sacked 31 times so far this season, with the right tackle position being one of fragility. After Ereck Flowers made the transition to the right side and failed miserably, Chad Wheeler was forced into a starting role. Wheeler is fundamentally more pure but has struggled immensely at times.

Moving forward, general manager Dave Gettleman might look to his former player with the Carolina Panthers, Daryl Williams, to sure up the right side of the line. Williams is a former undrafted free agent, but has performed well with the Panthers despite being injury prone. He has only played in one game so far this season, which might result in his price tag dropping considerably.

Additionally, the right guard position has been a turnstile with the Patrick Omameh experiment ending by week five. Reserve lineman John Greco has now been inserted at RG, and has shown promise but is ultimately not the answer moving forward.

One of the biggest losses this season has been guard D.J. Fluker, who has looked fantastic with the Seattle Seahawks this year. Fluker signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract with Seattle, which could open up a potential return next offseason.

Aside from the offensive line woes, the secondary has been spotty as well for Big Blue. Janoris Jenkins, the Giants’ best corner, has lacked effort for obvious reasons, but I believe he’s important to the defense moving forward. Gettleman spent a third-round pick on Supplemental draft pick Sam Beal prior to the start of the season. Beal injured his shoulder early on causing him to receive surgery and was placed on injured reserve. The Giants will need him to step up and become a serviceable starter in 2019, as Eli Apple was traded for a fourth and seventh round pick.

Another position of worry is at safety. Former Dolphin, Michael Thomas, has shown flashes of quality at times, but ultimately his value comes on special teams. The Giants would be smart to look into current Carolina Panther, Eric Reid. Reid signed a one-year deal that will force him into free agency after the season. It would be intelligent to add a veteran player to the defense that can help lead and manage the locker room.

The bottom line, there’s plenty of room for improvement on both sides of the ball, but addressing the offensive line should be the priority in 2019.