2015 NFL Draft: Grading Every New York Giants Pick

Sep 28, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes offensive linesman Ereck Flowers (74) against the South Florida Bulls during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Miami Hurricanes defeated the South Florida Bulls 49-21. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Round One: OT Ereck Flowers

After all the speculation that the New York Giants could do pretty much anything with the ninth overall pick, they actually played it safe and chose an offensive lineman. This was the smart thing to do on Jerry Reese’s part.

Flowers is one of the most underrated lineman in the draft. He stands at six foot six and 329 pounds. Flowers is an absolute beast and commands respect on the field. He is known to have a little bit of an attitude and that’s exactly something the Giants need on their line.

Flowers definitely has the potential to come in to be a starter right out of the gate. It’s going to take a lot of time and work for him to polish up his game. Just because he’s a top ten draft pick it doesn’t mean that Tom Coughlin will give him a pass to start. Everyone earns their status under Coughlin’s command.

Reese made the right decision with the ninth overall pick considering the talent that was left in the draft. Flowers was truly the best overall option at that time. The Giants’ priority is to protect Eli Manning and that’s exactly what Flowers will do. Reese addressed one of the biggest weaknesses in 2014 and that’s what counts the most here.

Grade: A

Next: Round Two