Jun 16, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants tackle Ereck Flowers (76) takes part in practice during minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Steven Ryan-USA TODAY Sports
Every since the 2007 season, they New York Giants haven’t been a hard football team to figure out. When they protect quarterback Eli Manning, he plays well and the Giants make the playoffs. There are a couple of Super Bowls in there too but when they don’t, he doesn’t play well and they miss the playoffs.
So to make sure Manning get the protection he needs to play well, the drafted tackle Ereck Flowers in the first round. The plan was for Flowers to start off on the right side while Will Beatty stays on the left side for the time being. But the time being has been because Beatty tore a pectoral muscle and will miss five months.
The Giants have since moved Flowers to the left side so he will protect Manning’s blind side now. It reminds me of last year, when Odell Beckham Jr. became the No. 1 receiver after Victor Cruz was injured. They thought Cruz would be the No. 1 receiver and Beckham would be good No. 2 to go along with him.
And now, it Flowers that has to take over for Beatty instead of being an addition to him. The Giants obviously haven’t done anything real yet as there are no pads in OTAs and minicamps. But the coaches and players are as impressed as they can be as they’re reportedly they like the way he moves at his size.
Giants guard Geoff Schwartz is impressed with his size and strength, telling ESPN Radio 104.5 FM The Team, “Ereck Flowers is a big dude He is strong. We lifted together. He is a strong kid that I look forward to seeing. He’s a big man, but he’s very proportionate. Like you wouldn’t think he’s 330.”
If he’s anythng like Beckham was last year, he will at least soften the blow of losing Beatty.