New York Giants: Is Offensive Line ready to have an impact?

The New York Giants have had issues with their offensive line the past few seasons, but is this unit ready to gel and become successful?

Over the past few seasons, the Giants have attempted to bolster their offensive line both through free agency and the NFL Draft. Mainly because of injuries, the unit has struggled as a whole. The Giants do have what appears to be the makings of a solid left side of their offensive line, as Ereck Flowers, Justin Pugh, and Weston Richburg could be one of the best in the league when Flowers improves.

“We’ve got to go out there and prove ourselves, week-in and week out,” Pugh said during a conference call to James Kratch of NJ.com. “I think we did some good things last year, but we obviously have a way to go, a way to improve. We’re looking forward to that challenge.”

“We’re looking to pick up where we left off, and really get this thing rolling,” Pugh said to Kratch. “Taking a leadership role, and really finishing the games. Obviously improving on the run game, improving on third down, and then scoring when we get in the green zone, making sure we don’t hurt ourselves when we get down there.

“It’s got to be all five guys up front, all on the same page and firing on all cylinders.”

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The right side of the offensive line is a bit of a question, as Marshall Newhouse and John Jerry are the likely starters at this point. It wouldn’t be surprising at all to see the Giants draft yet another offensive lineman in the first round, as there is a need to improve the right side still.

With Eli Manning not getting any younger, protecting him will be crucial for the Giants’ offensive success, as he has always lacked mobility. Flowers improving next season is key for the Giants, as he had a difficult rookie season being forced to start at left tackle, and play with injuries throughout the season.

An improved offensive line should also help a running game that struggled in 2015, as that certainly contributed to the poor season for Big Blue. Being healthy is the most important thing for the Giants’ offensive line in 2016, which is something that has been a problem. If the Giants do add another offensive lineman in the first round, it will be the third time in four seasons that they have done so.

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The Dallas Cowboys have created one of the best offensive lines in the NFL through the draft in the past few seasons, and that has worked out very well for them. The Giants appear to be doing the same thing, as they started by draft Pugh in the first round of the 2013 draft, followed by Richburg in the second round of 2014 draft, and then finally Flowers in the first round of 2015.

If the Giants choose to, a tackle like Ronnie Stanley would be available for them in the first round as he would continue to add to the young talent that protects Manning.

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