The NY Giants are continuing to look at free agent options in the wake of Will Beatty's injury, as general manager Jerry Reese said that the team will "keep an eye" on Jake Long and this comes as players like Anthony Collins and Gabe Carimi could be potential additions, while rookie Ereck Flowers may have to start at tackle on the offensive line if the team stands pat.
The Giants came into the offseason knowing that they needed to upgrade the offensive line and Reese went after that early in the draft, taking Flowers ninth overall. According to Pro Football Talk, the team was expected to use Flowers at right tackle, which could push Justin Pugh inside to guard, a position he is more comfortable with. But the Beatty injury changed things and now Flowers has gotten work in OTAs at left tackle, while Pugh could end up staying on the right side opposite him or at guard if Marshall Newhouse takes over.
According to NJ.com, Reese spoke with the media following OTA practice this week and said that the team will "continue to look around" when it comes to offensive linemen on the market. Last week the team looked at Jake Long and brought him in for a physical, but he is coming off of multiple injuries and may not be an immediate answer. Pro Football Talk writes that Collins and Carimi are two of the available options on the market and the Giants could look at them if they feel Flowers is not ready to start.
Long previously dealt with ACL injuries in back to back seasons and that could keep the Giants from bringing him in, as they can ill afford to lose another lineman. Beatty was injured while working out this offseason and could be out six months, making his return December at the earliest. Flowers comes in with a strong pedigree out of Miami and Reese said that the team projects him as a left tackle in the future.
Flowers could push to start if he performs well this summer in training camp and this comes as Geoff Schwartz is still coming back from injury, while Weston Richburg, John Jerry, Pugh and Newhouse are the likely other starters. Ben McAdoo said earlier last month that the five best players would start and if Flowers is in that mix, he could end up as the opening week left tackle or guard. Flowers has been practicing a bit at left tackle and the team has high hopes for him making an immediate impact as a blocker.
Eli Manning had a bounce back season last year and to keep that going, the Giants need better play from the offensive line. The team added Shane Vereen in the offseason and getting more consistent blocking in the passing game should also help open up the rushing attack. The Giants are getting back Victor Cruz and they are looking deep on offense with Ruben Randle, Odell Beckham, Rashad Jennings, Andre Williams and Larry Donnell. Manning is also coming into the last year of his contract and the team could offer an extension before the season starts.
