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New York Giants surprise many by drafting offensive lineman Ereck Flowers

By Joshua Simons

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It’s official. The pick is in. Ereck Flowers out of the University of Miami is joining the New York Giants.

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In typical Giants fashion, they pick a player that was not a popular pre-draft pick for them. This pick makes sense for many reasons, but is still a little surprising.

Pros: First and foremost this pick fills a need:

We knew coming into the NFL Draft that the offensive line was an area that needed to be addressed. When tackle Brandon Scherff was picked by Washington, the question didn’t become if they would address the line. It was a question of when.

Don’t be fooled by his name. He fits the profile of an offensive linemen the Giants like. He is big, athletic, nasty, and strong. He had 37 bench presses of 225lbs, more than any other offensive linemen during the combine. All positive traits you want in any offensive lineman.

I think the Giants were attracted to him because of his intangibles, skill set, and versatility. He played at both tackle spots, and has many attributes that could make him a successful guard. This gives the Giants the option to move Pugh inside, or play Flowers at guard. This means that if Flowers has a strong camp, he will have a place to play. This may not have been the case with a player like OT Andrus Peat or a pure guard prospect. His other attributes are that he is strong in the run game, and is young enough having just turned 21 to work on some of his weaknesses.

Cons: It is surprising because there were so many other players on the board that would’ve fit other needs. Bud Dupree was available who could’ve been a good option as a pass-rusher. I had Trae Waynes to the Giants. There is also a gaping hole in the safety spot, especially with the news that Stevie Browns is signing with the Texans.

My overall reaction is surprise. I can’t say I am disappointed. He is young, adds a lot of energy, and helps their run game which was a weakness last season. He certainly looks like a player that has a high potential who could be a really good tackle for a long time in the league. My only question is whether or not they could’ve addressed the line with one of the top ranked guards (i.e . A.J. Cann or Laken Tomlinson) and still accomplished their goal of solidifying the offensive line.

Overall grade: B+

Lots of potential and versatility. Together with other young players Pugh and Richburg, he could be a solid long term player on their line. The question is whether or not it was too early to pick him, and should’ve picked an elite pass-rusher (Shane Ray, Bud Dupree, or even Randy Gregory) or safety.

Next: What are Giants fans reactions to the pick?

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