A New York Giants Offensive Line for the Ages
Everyone appreciates a great offensive line, especially the quarterback. But we wanted to shine a spotlight on five specific guys. Seubert, Diehl, Snee, O’Hara, and McKenzie.
These five players were so good, so consistent that the Giants brass could afford to go out and collect star defensive ends like Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora, Mathias Kiwanuka and Jason Pierre Paul. They could gamble and lose on players like William Joseph, Sinorice Moss, Gerris Wilkerson, Clint Sintim, James Brewer, Brandon Mosley, Adrien Robinson, Marvin Austin, Jerrel Jernigan, and Jayron Hosley.
- Rich Seubert was an undrafted player.
- David Diehl was drafted as a guard in the 5th round.
- Chris Snee was drafted in the 2nd round
- Shaun O’Hara was a Free Agent signing from Cleveland
- Kareem McKenzie was a Free Agent signing cast off from the Jets
Since 2000, the New York Giants have only drafted 5 Guards and 9 Tackles. In that time seventeen year period only Diehl, Snee, Beatty, Pugh and Richburg were draft picks that made the grade. Creating a cohesive offensive line in the NFL is the key to success. Looking at the Giants draft history, it proves that making it in NFL is unlikely.
It also shows that having a group of Offensive Lineman working together for six to eight years allows the upper management to focus their attention on other positions and truly build a Super Bowl caliber team.
The Giants need to continue to build this offensive line. The left and right tackle spots are a major weakness. Ereck Flowers can be a good tackle, but is more suited for the Right Tackle position or even Guard. Before he was drafted, the analysis on the player was that he lacked technique, but had great strength. He was considered a mauler and relied on his power too often. Nothing here has changed. He could be a pro bowl right tackle, instead every Sunday he forces Eli Manning to have happy feet.
While John Jerry is currently an over achiever this line can not run block in its current form and that is a problem. It forces the team to become one-dimensional. And if Coach McAdoo continues to run 3 receiver sets for 90% of the offensive snaps, with a weak line, it will be hard to return to the playoffs. Rhett Ellsion (TE/FB) and Brandon Marshall (WR) should be able to help on the outside.
Cheers to Seubert, Diehl, Snee, O’Hara, and McKenzie and may Justin Pugh and Weston Richburg anchor the line for years to come.
@NYGiantsRush