Giant’s OT’s: Do the Venerable Bookends Need Upgrading?

Of course to suggest the offensive line and more specifically the tackles are rock solid is to ignore some sobering statistical information. On the right side,  anchored by Kareem McKenzie, an 11 year veteran, McKenzie graded out as the third best right tackle in the league last year and there is no reason to expect

anything less in 2011. However, when evaluating the critical left side we are left wondering what should be done, if anything. Fan favorite and spiritual warrior David Diehl graded 66th out of 78 NFL tackles, certainly not acceptable for such an integral position. In his defense however; Diehl endured a nasty, partially torn hamstring and hip injury which certainly limited his agility and explosiveness. Shawn Andrews and Will Beatty completed the trio of starters on the left side and did a respectable though not stellar job. Diehl has been very visible this offseason and claims to have fully recovered, mentally and physically, which is encouraging. Although I doubt Andrews will come back due to health concerns and a 3.5 million dollar contract demand, the continuing development of Will Beatty, Jamon Meredith and the recently drafted James Brewer gives the Giants some evidence that they are not in a desperate situation and will be very judicious in securing an outside tackle’s services.