OT Ereck Flowers to NY Giants: Full Draft-Pick Breakdown

It took two years, a lot of heartbreak and a lot of patience, but it looks like the New York Giants’ renovation of its offensive line is finally complete.

With the ninth overall pick in the 2015 draft, the Giants added offensive tackle Ereck Flowers, the 6’6”, 329-pound specimen from the University of Miami. They now have an offensive line bearing two second-round talents (center Weston Richburg, 2014 and left tackle Will Beatty, 2009) and two first-round talents, Flowers and left guard Justin Pugh, 2013.

“We always talk about we’re going to take the best player, but we’re always cognizant of what our need is as well and we think this is a good need and a value pick for us,” general manager Jerry Reese told reporters following the selection of Flowers.

“We think this can help solidify the offensive line, so hopefully this will settle the offensive line down and we don’t have to keep talking about the offensive line as much.”

Certainly, the offensive line has been a hot topic during its two-year renovation.

In 2013, quarterback Eli Manning was, according to Pro Football Focus, the sixth-most pressured quarterback, coming under duress on 40.3 percent of his dropbacks. His offensive line also allowed 236 quarterback pressures, the third-most in the NFL.

The following season, the pass protection improved, but seemingly at the expense of the run blocking. According to Football Outsiders, the Giants offensive line finished 22nd in the league last season

The Giants believe the addition of Flowers to what they already have should help Manning and the rest of the offense—which finished 11th overall last season, its first playing in offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo’s West Coast offense—soar even higher.

Specifically, the Giants are hoping the addition of Flowers, which allows them to move Pugh inside to guard, will help improve the league’s 23rd-ranked rushing offense last season.

“I think if I had to grade one over the other, I think he’s probably a better pass-blocker,” Reese said. “He’s very productive as a pass-blocker, but I think he’s a very good run-blocker as well.”

“He is athletic; he has good feet,” Tom Coughlin added. “He is big and strong and powerful. [He was] the strongest guy at the combine, so he can do both.”

Flowers, a soft-spoken young man, acknowledged that he has to work on refining all aspects of his game, telling reporters via conference call that he has “a long ways to go” and that he is ready to get to work. 

When asked about his strengths, he didn’t hesitate with his response.

“I think I’m a pretty good run-blocker,” he said. “I think I show a good amount of athleticism. I think I’m a pretty good reach-blocker, but other than that, I think I can improve in everything, including the things that I would say I do pretty well. I’m ready to make those improvements.”

Just like the Giants are ready for their offensive line to make its improvements as a unit.

Patricia Traina covers the Giants for Inside Football, the Journal Inquirer and Sports Xchange. All quotes and information were obtained firsthand unless otherwise sourced. 

Follow @Patricia_Traina