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

Despite an adequate stable of tackles you may be sure the Giants will be kicking the tires of some second tier tackles. There are a number of high profile tackles who might be gotten for the right price but I find it difficult to think that General Manager Jerry Reese will spend top dollars for players such as Baltimore’s Jared Gaither, Dallas’ Doug Free, Baltimore’s Marshal Yanda , Pittsburgh’s Willie Colon, or Atlanta’s Tyson Clabo. Frankly I would be surprised if any of these players are lured to other teams and certainly it is fair to assume that the Giants are not about to pony up the money needed to retain their services. Sean Locklear of the Seattle Seahawks and Barry Sims are 2 intriguing players that might lend depth to the left side should Diehl find out he is out of gas or suffers another debilitating injury.
The Giants have some holes to fill but the tackle position is not one of the priorities. Their secret weapon, which is not so secret anymore, and a reliable constant, is offensive line coach Pat Flaherty. His ability to smooth the rough edges off of linemen and transform them into useful professionals is well documented. Based on his past triumphs and successes I look to the Giants to develop their own talent, perhaps sign an aging veteran or bring in a young, unproven player who was discarded from another team. There will be no fireworks as far as offensive line signings, at least not this year.