New York Giants: Interior of the offensive line is in good shape

The New York Giants offensive line is the biggest weakness of the team. The interior of the line, however, could be in pretty good shape.

Improve the offensive line! This offense could be good if we blocked! Give Eli Manning some time to throw! These are the calls of New York Giants fans. The offensive line is not completely lost, however.

The interior of the offensive line could actually be in pretty good shape. If the Giants give a pair of guards one-year deals and lock up their center long-term, the interior of the line could open up holes in the run game and provide Manning with some time to throw in 2018.

As far as left guard goes, there’s an easy answer: Justin Pugh. Yes, I realize that Pugh is made of glass and hasn’t played 16 games in a season since 2013. However, when healthy, Pugh is the Giants’ most talented lineman.

Pugh can play both left guard and right tackle, and I’m convinced that Pugh would have been the Giants’ best option at left tackle in 2017 if given the chance.

Pugh’s injury history is certainly concerning, but it could allow the Giants to re-sign Pugh to a one-year, “prove-it” deal. Bring Pugh back for 2018 and get him to play a 16-game season, and the New York Giants could have one of the better left guards in the league.

Weston Richburg looked like the center of the future for the Giants before he missed the final 12 games of the 2017 season with a concussion. Brett Jones ended up stepping in and making his case for New York’s future in the middle of the offensive line.

Jones held his own, improving the Giants running game and keeping Manning clean in the passing game.

Richburg and Jones are both free agents this offseason, but Jones is a restricted free agent, making him much easier and cheaper to retain. The Giants can let Richburg walk, re-sign Jones to be their future center, and save money in the process.

The New York Giants also have their future right guard on their roster. D.J. Fluker, despite playing just nine games with six starts in 2017, earned another contract with the Giants and should be their starting right guard in 2018.

The Giants running game got a significant boost when Fluker entered the starting lineup. He opened up holes for Orleans Darkwa and Wayne Gallman after New York’s running game looked lost.

More from New York Giants

Fluker missing time should also help the Giants in negotiations. He could be secured on a one-year deal or potentially signed long-term without having to shell out big money.

If Pugh, Jones, and Fluker are all brought back for 2018, the interior of the offensive line would be solidified for the New York Giants.

Both offensive tackle spots would be big-time question marks, but it’s a start to rebuilding the offensive line.

A free agent signing and a draft pick or two could get the offensive line back on track.

The glory days of New York Giants football, when they were winning Super Bowls, included top offensive lines that allowed Eli Manning and the offense to make plays.

Next: Eli Apple gets clean slate with new general manager

Dave Gettleman has to get the Giants back to the days of great play in the trenches and the answer on the interior could be right in front of him. A few cheap contracts could have New York in business and ready to get back to its winning ways.

Home/New York Giants