New York Giants: Team Should Pursue Clint Boling

By Vincent Rapisardi | Mar 9, 2015

Last season, the Giants seemed to really miss out on elite offensive line prospect, Zack Martin, during the NFL Draft. Fortunately enough, the player they chose over him happens to be phenom, Odell Beckham Jr.. But, the offensive line has still been an issue with the Giants and an area they should be looking to improve this offseason. One free agent name that stands out to me is Clint Boling.

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Many of you are probably asking, “who is Clint Boling?” he’s 25 years old and was drafted in 2011 by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 4th round as he started 47 games at guard for the team. What really interests me about Boling, is his run-blocking ability.

Last year, the Giants run game wasn’t very effective, as they ranked 23rd in yards per game on the ground. Both, Andre Williams and Rashad Jennings each failed to average 4 yards a carry as the Giants featured backs.

If the Giants did happen to land to Boling, that would also mean they feel comfortable with 3rd year pro, Justin Pugh, retaining his spot at the right tackle position. The potential signing of Boling would really change the team’s draft strategy as well.

Many have suggested with the Giants 9th overall pick, that the team should take guard Brandon Scherff. Instead, they could target a defensive line or pass rushing specialist, or maybe even give quarterback Eli Manning another playmaker on the offensive side of the ball.

Nov 23, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Cincinnati Bengals guard Clint Boling (65) signals before the snap against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

While also adding much needed depth and ability to this offensive line, Boling would also insert youth. At 25, he would join Pugh and Weston Richburg as starters on the offensive line that are 25 years old or younger.

This would allow them to grow for years going forward in creating a cohesive offensive line group. Which could look very similar to the group they fielded for years that featured: Shaun O’hara, Kareem McKenzie, Rich Seubert, Chris Snee and David Diehl.

Boling seems to make tons of sense for the Giants in free agency. It doesn’t seem like he will be commanding big money, which really favors the team’s salary cap dilemma. His pass blocking is a slight concern to some, but he would add a much needed punch to the Giants run game.

We all know how much head coach Tom Coughlin loves balance between the run and passing game. Boling would add a toughness that this team really needs if they want to get back to running the football successfully.

Next: New York Giants: Making The Case For Pierre Thomas

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