Weston Richburg: Second Best Breakout Player of 2015

Pro Football Focus released their list of the top 25 breakout players of 2015 and New York Giants center Weston Richburg was second behind Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor.

From PFF:

"“2. Weston Richburg, C, NYG2014 cumulative grade (playing out of position at guard): -9.5 on 1,058 snaps2015 cumulative grade (playing natural position at center): +20.6 on 1,035 snapsThe Giants really struggled on the edge of their offensive line, but quietly had one of the better interiors around. Richburg’s improvement was a key part of that. He allowed just a single knockdown and 12 combined pressures for the second-highest pass protection grade. Richburg isn’t the best in the ground game, but did post the highest screen-blocking grade (+5.0) in the league amongst all offensive lineman.”"

In another article on breakout stars, PFF wrote:

"“PFF’s third best center for 2015, Richburg could also be a most improved player candidate. He made the sophomore leap after a rocky rookie season that saw him allow two sacks, seven hits, and 16 hurries, while also struggling in the run game. In 2015, Richburg didn’t allow a sack all year while giving up just one hit and 11 hurries. Arguably the strongest part of Richburg’s game is when he’s leading on screen blocks, and he was by far the best center in the league doing so.”"

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Richburg also made PFF’s list of top 10 biggest Pro Bowl snubs:

"“This is one of the better put-together Pro Bowl rosters in recent seasons, but a couple of spots still reek of the name pushing certain players over the line; at center, that is certainly the case with Alex Mack (75.6) and Mike Pouncey (78.2) getting the nod after solid seasons when others have excelled. Weston Richburg is our highest-graded center this season, equally adept as a run blocker, pass protector and even working in front of screens. Richburg has proven, with his elite play this season, that he probably should have been at center for the Giants from day one of his rookie season, and if he keeps up this level of play, the accolades will soon follow.”"

Aug 14, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; New York Giants guard Weston Richburg (70) in a preseason NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /

Meanwhile, Pro Football Focus ranked the Giants offensive line 20th in the league tied with the Super Bowl Champion Denver Broncos, stating:

"“T-20. New York Giants (20th)Pass-blocking rank: 24thRun-blocking rank:16thPenalties rank: 4thStud: Just missing out on a PFF All Pro selection, that shouldn’t diminish what a great year Weston Richburg had at the center spot.Dud: Did he play hurt, or can you just attribute his struggles to being a rookie? Either way, Ereck Flowers didn’t provide the immediate upgrade the team had hoped for, and was our lowest-graded tackle on the year.Summary: The injury to William Beatty caused a number of problems, with Flowers unprepared to play left tackle and Marshall Newhouse unequipped to play on the right side. That made a match of the worst tackle pairing in the league, and while the interior played well, it was nowhere near good enough to make up for it.”"

The reviews on Ereck Flowers have been all over the map. Here’s Pro Football Focus stating that he was one-half of the worst tackle pairings in the league, yet Flowers ends up getting honorable mentions on All-Rookie teams. The Giants believe in him enough to cut Will Beatty. The injury Flowers sustained early in the season definitely limited his mobility and agility, so he should have an improved sophomore season.

The other piece of the offensive line the Giants appear to have faith in is Bobby Hart, their draft pick out of Florida State. He filled in at times last season and held his own. His play and potential were enough to release oft-injured Geoff Schwartz.

Sep 13, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; New York Giants center Weston Richburg (70) in game action against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Dallas won 27-26. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

But, what should the Giants do with Marshall Newhouse? He was signed to a 2-year deal before last season and will have a cap hit of around $1.9 million in 2016. If the Giants feel Newhouse’s 2015 campaign was a sure sign of things to come and cut him after June 1st, they’d only absorb $400,000 in dead cap. It’s clear the team will address the right side of the line in free agency, but also the draft. It’s also clear the Giants have the core of what could be one of the best offensive lines in the league with Weston Richburg, Justin Pugh, and Ereck Flowers.

Miami Dolphins defensive end and unrestricted free agent Olivier Vernon – a potential target for the Giants to acquire – comes in at #4 on PFF’s list of breakout players last season. Former Giant and current Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Linval Joseph was ranked sixth. Another free agent target for the G-Men, Indianapolis Colts linebacker Jerrell Freeman, ranked tenth. If Big Blue can land Vernon, re-sign at least one of their free agent defensive ends – Jason Pierre-Paul or Robert Ayers – and add Freeman at the Mike, you can also bet on the defense becoming one of the best units in 2016.

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