Eric Herman to Giants: How Does the Guard Fit with New York?

The New York Giants entered the 2013 draft needing to fortify their offensive line, and they've now selected two players at the position: Syracuse OL Justin Pugh in Round 1 (No. 19 and Ohio OG Eric Herman (No. 225).

Herman (6'4", 320 lbs) has terrific size for a guard and possesses incredible strength (36 bench-press reps at 225 pounds at the NFL Scouting Combine). He's a road grader in the run game and plays with an incredible mean streak. He's the kind of nasty player you want in the trenches.

As I've written previously, the interior of the Giants offensive line is very much in flux. LG Kevin Boothe is on a one-year deal, and the futures of RG Chris Snee and C David Bass are murky. General manager Jerry Reese needed to add depth at the position, and Herman provides that.

Herman will join Selvish Capers and Brandon Mosley as the primary backups to Boothe and Snee.

In my opinion, the selection of Herman lends more credence to the theory that Pugh will be used at right tackle in his rookie season. David Diehl is a descending player, and the Giants should have enough depth on the interior to allow the versatile Pugh to push Diehl to start at RT.

Herman did end his career with 128 career pancake blocks, which speaks to his strength.

I don't expect Herman to have a major impact in his rookie season, but you never know what will happen with injuries. If he does have to play a significant amount, I'd be concerned about his short arms and ability to protect quarterback Eli Manning.

But, he provides the Giants offensive line with depth and toughness, which it needed.