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Offensive Line Changes? Not So Fast

by John Fennelly on February 12th, 2012 at 10:49 am

I’m reading articles about major shakeups on the Giants’ offensive line. You know, what free agents they’re bringing in, who they should draft. Those type of things.

How about some reality? The Giants won’t be making wholesale changes with their O-line this off-season.

They may bring in a veteran, or draft a project, but for the most part, their offensive line is going be comprised of the personnel already in house.

They drafted three lineman the past three years to take out their veterans when the time comes: Will Beatty, Mitch Petrus and James Brewer. The Giants also brought in a center – David Baas – to anchor their line. These players are all in the team’s plans.

The veteran core of Chris Snee, David Diehl and Kareem McKenzie are still all workable parts. Kevin Boothe, the object of many a critic, is coming off a strong season in which he played multiple positions.

Snee and Diehl are coming back. So is Boothe. McKenzie is a free agent, who could be retained at the right price. By my count, that makes eight offensive lineman. Stacy Andrews, providing he’s healthy, makes nine.

Twice, Jerry Reese has been called out about having Diehl at LT. Twice, the Giants won Super Bowls with Big Dave at LT.

Reese has also been questioned about Boothe’s ability. Was I just seeing things or wasn’t that Kevin Boothe taking on big, bad Vince Wilfork in last week’s Super Bowl victory over New England. The holding penalty called on Boothe was a dubious one. Even Wilfork believed it was borderline.

The Giants love Boothe and Diehl’s versatility. They have been in the fold for years and will continue to be.

Snee has been one of the game’s best interior lineman and is signed through the 2014 season. Translation: he’s going nowhere.

The team is high on Petrus. He will get more playing time. He is the one that adds physicality to the group. He’s not going anywhere, either.

Beatty and Brewer are envisioned as the team’s tackles of the future. Brewer is huge and has the footwork to become a fine pro. Although he did not dress this season, he has been under the tutelage of OL coach Pat Flaherty, one of the best in the business. Beatty is coming off eye surgery, but had he not been injured, he would have continued his stint as the team’s starting LT.

Going against the Giants’ world-class group of DEs in practice will only make them sharper.

The picture looks plainly clear to me. The Giants, unless they are bowled over by a rookie or a veteran stud falls into their lap, won’t be shaking things up any time soon.

 

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About John Fennelly

Managing Editor of SNY.tv's Giants Football Blog - the ultimate destination for New York Giants' news, opinion and entertainment. View all posts by John Fennelly →
  • Anonymous

    With the last pick in first round I’d take an OL, I think Kareem can be kept but only for the right (cheap) price. But, I do think they are well stocked and with the last pick you just take the best player available without a doubt. Who knows who falls there ? The good news is historically it turns out to be a decent NFL player. Reese and the Giants also recently have been very, very good with rookie FA’s – they deserve a lot of credit. Plus, other rookies like Jernigan and Amukamara barely played, and there’s D Scott, Brewer, Austin. plus Chad (forgot last name) may actually make it on the field this year.

  • TGordo

    Hey John,

    I know there are a lot of factors to consider, but the running game was one of the worst in the NFL this year.  Doesn’t that suggest that some OL improvements are necessary?  If so, and if the Giants aren’t going to pick up another lineman in the draft or via FA, what changes on the OL do you forsee to improve the running game next year?

    • http://twitter.com/SNYGiantsBlog SNYgiantsblog

      I think McKenzie coming back could be a reach, but the others will all be here. That’s seven or eight guys already on the roster earning an NFL paycheck and all of them are in good graces with the club. 

      The flux on the o-line due to injury and the injury to Bradshaw cut into the numbers during the regular season. Continuity going forward will help. The Giants averaged 4.2 yds per carry during the postseason and had 5 runs of 20 yards or better once the lineup normalized.

      • Anonymous

        If you’re a betting man, McKenzie is gone. That’s not to suggest that he didn’t provide a heck of a presence at the tackle position. We were lucky to have him, but every stone has it’s turn. Furthermore, I think you’re projections are, for the most part, accurate. However, this line could not run block to save its life. I love how “analysts” get on the RBs about how awful they were this year. Attention analysts: You can’t run through a hole, that isn’t there. Not to mention the fact that if anyone who was watching most of Eli’s best plays he was not making down field throws with much comfort. He would wiggle, avoid, and shake his way out of pressure. My final thesis for the 2012 o-line: Diehl stays at LT, Booth gets a shot to hold down LG, Baas at C, Snee at RG, Beatty at RT.

      • Colonelyellowmustard

        Kareem is a goner. Brewer may not be a lock to stick around either despite the high draft status if he showing little progress. I think they take a tackle by the second round to take Kareems place and I could see Andrew’s spot take by another draft pick.

        Wholesale line changes may take place in 2013 if diehl, snee, baas continue to decline like we have seen.

  • Anonymous

    Totally disagree with you John. The protection for Eli and the improvement of the running game is the biggest need this off season. Did you watch the 49′er game?
    Do you want Eli to continue his consecutive game streak? Don’t you think the running game needs help up front. The Giants won the SB despite their OL.

    Petrus, Beatty and Brewer are nice pieces going forward.  I like Boothe and Deihl as versatile backups. Snee is still very good. (although his play has declined)

    IMO, drafting offensive lineman and a good tight end that can block well will be huge this draft.  There are usually some very good TE’s and interior lineman later in the draft.

    • Anonymous

      You can’t completely blame the offensive lineman. Ahmad Bradshaw played hurt throughout the season. With Bradshaw and Jacobs healthy together, they can get the job done. 

      However, when one of them is hurt, the duo’s performance declines exponentially. With Bradshaw healthy next year, I expect him to be more patient waiting for the hole to develop instead of trying to deviate from the path and run outside and get stuffed. 

      I agree that these offensive lineman will be entrenched for some time considering the Giants have more dire needs.

      Also, let’s give the 49ers some credit on the NFC championship game. Aldon and Justin Smith, along with Willis, Bowman, Brooks, and Larry Grant are no joke. They played their hardest in that game and played well.

      The Giants have to focus their draft on tight ends, cornerbacks, and the future of the running game. 

      • Anonymous

        There is a difference between being over matched and letting your QB get mauled.  The Niners did most of their damage rushing with 4 guys. 

        Corner backs? 

        Running backs?

        How about The fresh Prince and D. Scott.

        You can have 3 All-Pro running backs with no where to run.

        OL, TE and then LB.  Those are the needs.  Hopefully the best available will also be a need.

        • Anonymous

          Yes, six sacks is quite an exorbitant amount. The Giants should make all the effort in protecting Eli Manning because he is the key to this team.

          However, I believe in Beatty, Petrus, Baas, Snee, Diehl, and Kevin Boothe. I’ll give Baas the year to see how well he plays with a full training camp before writing him off. So right now, the Giants only have to worry about right tackle with hopefully Diehl or Brewer stepping up to take the position if Kareem McKenzie either decides to retire or isn’t picked up.

          Offensive line is not as big an issue as tight end, cornerback, and running back.

          Brandon Jacobs return is questionable and despite Ahmad Bradshaw being a quality back, he isn’t a feature back. Da’Rel Scott and D.J. Ware haven’t proven themselves and its time the Giants invest high in the position because we all know Eli’s bread and butter is the play-action pass.

          Hopefully with a full offseason Da’Rel Scott will be more prepared to have a more important role in the offense.

          However, I’m leery of both he and D.J. Ware because neither of them were given the opportunity to step up when Ahmad Bradshaw was hurt and Brandon Jacobs was rushing poorly.

          Giants have to solidify the running game to keep Eli’s throwing lanes open.

          • Anonymous

            Ahmad Bradshaw being a quality back, he isn’t a feature back?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!
            Get rid of Big Mouth Jacobs and give these RB’s room to run.
            Scott has ability,  he and Jernigan are going to have good seasons next yr.  Mark my words.

            I maintain, OL, TE, LB and then CB.

          • Anonymous

            Ahmad Bradshaw is not a feature back. There’s a difference between good and great and Ahmad Bradshaw is a good running back, not one that can carry his team on his back.

            You’re betting on second year running back and wide receiver on making the difference? You can’t do that.

            Giants should definitely take the best tight end/cornerback/running back available in the first round. It just so happens that where the Giants pick, 32nd, is in the vicinity where Allen, Fleener, Dennard, and Wilson seem to be available.

          • Anonymous

            AB has carried this team many times, and I attribute this yrs poor running game to poor OL play. Which may just be my opinion. But AB is one of the best. He is not a good receiver, but he makes a lot of yards after contact, but I don’t have to tell you such things, you can just look at his career 4.6 yards per carry and come to such conclusions on your own.

            No, I am saying those second yr guys are going to have to fill holes. I am saying that I like their potential. You cant afford Jacobs, Osi and Manningham. your just going to have to let some of those young guys make the most of their opportunity. But yes I do think that Jernigan can be close to or even better than Manningham. Same goes for Scott replacing Jacobs.

          • Anonymous

            We haven’t seen how good Ahmad Bradshaw is by himself. He’s always had Brandon Jacobs alongside him. With that said, with Jacobs potentially not being brought back and Danny Ware and Da’Rel Scott being seldom used, the Giants have to fill that hole.

            Imagine if Brandon Jacobs is gone and Bradshaw becomes injured, do you really want Ware and Scott as your 1 and 2 backs?

            I’m more comfortable with Kevin Booth as a backup center also competing for the starting left guard position with Mitch Petrus and Beatty, Diehl, and Brewer at the tackles.

            Do I think the Giants should pick up an offensive lineman if the opportunity presents itself later in the draft? Yes.

            But, the Giants never to prioritize the tight end, running back, and cornerback position.

            Cruz and Nicks are here to stay and Blackburn, Greg Jones, and Herzlich can play middle-linebackers with Kiwanuka, Boley, and Williams on the outside.

            The Giants can go back to the Super Bowl with a strong running game and tight ends that can not only compliment Cruz in the middle, but go deep as well.

            The Patriots proved you don’t need defense to get to the big game. However, the Giants proved that defense wins championships.

            If Osi goes, the Giants will have to shore up the secondary and not rely as much on the formidable defensive front. I’m not sold on Corey Webster as the #1 corner but Prince Amukamara showed he can play, and play at a high level at the end of the season.

            Yet, as we saw, the injury bug can strike and it did last year to the Giants corners with Terrell Thomas, Michael Coe, Justin Tryon, and Bruce Johnson going down.

            I believe Amukamara can fulfill is promise as a first round pick, but I don’t want to pressure him to overcompensate for the Giants lack of depth in that position so the Giants need to use a top pick there.

          • Anonymous

            I think where  I disagree with you is how much the running game is dependent on the OL vs the actual runner.  But you actually prove me right.  Because while getting a top 10 running back could vastly improve any offense, having an entire OL that dominates the line of scrimmage will steady the offense if there is an injury to that great RB.  Substituting 1 line man (in the case of injury) out of 5  total lineman effects your offense less than 1 RB who is a focal point.  In other words I would take 2nd tier RBs and a top tier  OL over a team with the 2 best running backs in the NFL but an average OL.  Don’t forget my top tier line blocks for the QB as well.  with a “feature” back you are going to invest way too much in one player IMO. IMO the QB is the only one who should have that much more invested in him. In this Salary cap era, its harder to be a more balanced team.

            But I also disagree with in terms of losing Osi.  I have seen Kiwi get after the QB  with good constancy.   He showed off his versatility  playing LB but I think he has more upside as a DE.  Getting a LB to fill Kiwi’s spot if Osi leaves is my scenario.  Personally I see 4-3 LB’s, who are quicker and more athletic, have more success in this spread offense era. In other words Jones and Sintim would be better fit in a 3-4.

          • Anonymous

            The problem with your argument is that investing in an “entire offensive line” is more expensive than spending on one 3rd or 4th round pick on a running back.

            There is nothing wrong with sticking with the current offensive lineman and promoting Petrus and Brewer. We haven’t seen what this offensive line could do with full OTAs.

            The Giants have more dire needs at the positions I mentioned.

            Also, your statements hold even less weight in that you are investing in Kiwanuka and Clint Sintim?

            Kiwanuka hasn’t played defensive end consistently and Clint Sintim is coming off his second ACL injury.

            I highly doubt Clint Sintim is even brought back.

          • Anonymous

            Just so you know, I appreciate the debate.  Its fun, to to argue points with passionate fans, no mater how wrong you are. Hey how small can we make the comment section?

            Also, Sintim, I said he is not a good fit in a 4-3, either is jones, not in the NFL these days.  They are simply not athletic enough. Those 3 guys need to cover a lot of ground.  But yes I am still very confident in Kiwi’s ability to play DE.  Osi and Jacobs and Manningham are simply going to cost to much Great OL players are   much less expensive when compared to top level running backs.  Like I said I would rather have 3 great OL men as compared to 2 Great RB’s.But yes  I like da’rel Scott,  he has strength agility and speed.  He could be the next AB, late round pick success story.  Also Ware IMO is not as bad as people say.  He can block well, catch well and can even create mistackles create mistackles.

    • http://twitter.com/SNYGiantsBlog SNYgiantsblog

      I think you do agree with me. I mentioned nine offensive linemen. Unless you cut a few, you can’t add any. Who doesn’t come back? The 49er game was alarming, but look at the play calls. Gilbride put Eli in the pocket for long durations in order to go for bigger chunks of yards through the air. Lucky he’s durable and came out unscathed.

      • Anonymous

        Mckenzie and Baas to start with.  Get a new RT and a new Center.  UPGRADE. 
        We need a new TE as well, but he needs to block well.  Pascoe is not a bad back up, plus he has versatility.  Get rid of Beckum.

        Let Osi go, move Kiwi to DE.  Let Jacobs walk and and give Darell Scot a shot.

  • Mark Ibrahim

    John I agree that the Giants generally dont like to “rock the boat” when it comes to the componentry of the team, but the offensive line needs some tweaking, specifically in the tackle positions. Let me first say that I thought Will Beatty looked pretty good when he is on the field against the pass, and slightly above average against the run. I agree with some more work under Flaherty, and practice against the likes of Tuck and JPP, he will be just fine. However do we have reliable depth behind him if Diehl isn’t retained? On the right side is where the real problem is, Kareem Mckenzie is flat out finished! I’m sorry he was okay on his good days and totaly abominable on the other days. He simply cant handle himself against speed rushers. Aldon Smith was around him the second the ball was snapped play after play! I hope Brewer is the answer there at RT, but there is no way to tell since he hasn’t played a snap or even been active for a game so far. If I were Jerry Reese Im restructuring Diehl’s contract, letting McKenzie walk even if he wants to play for free, and signing both the Andrews brothers. Shawn Andrews is one of the best lineman in the league when healthy and should man down a starting job in my opinion. Stacey can serve as a quality backup.

  • Mickster

    Pretty spot-on John.  Only disagreement is Kareem – I think the Giants coaches will grade him out as being kaput as a pass protector, and Diehl could transition over to that side.  I’m also not yet sold on Beatty.  Perhaps a young, athletic LT semi-project on the second day of the draft would be in order in case Beatty doesn’t improve in this, the last year of his rookie contract.  Here’s a name – Brandon Mosely out of Auburn.

  • jaymanjd

    Here we go again people John loves these guys on offensive line especially Diehl and he always seems to make arguements for why they are good when the proof is in the pudding.  This time we won despite the horrible offensive line.  This line has not been the same since the last super bowl.  Reese is playing with fire people.  Eli is great in the pocket but if you keep running David Diehl out there to protect Eli we are eventually going to have Eli on a stretcher.  You need good protection in this league because the magic trickets run out and all Eli needs is a body in the Knee to be out for the season like Brady. and without Eli this team would be looking at a top 5 pick in the draft and thats scary people.  We have no legitimate back up for Eli.  But John as always thinks its worth the risk. We won a super bowl with this group so they must be fine. NO.  Me and John argued about this all last off season.  Reese has failed to address glaring holes at OL and LBer.  We took Prince last year but the fact is he barely played and when he did you o hold your breathe not to mention there were few OLinemen from last draft who contributed well to their teams.  We cannot go into next year with zero running game and no protection for Eli.  Over the long haul of a season you cant rely on playing 7-7 ball and getting hot at the end.  Every team will be gunning for the giants its going to be a season of superbowls.  Right now we are protecting the crown jewel with over priced geezers enough already we have seen it all year.