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New York Giants: D.J. Fluker Is Ready To Compete For A Winner

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 1, 2017; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers offensive guard D.J. Fluker (76) blocks Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Jarvis Jenkins (94) as quarterback Philip Rivers (17) receives the ball during the second half of the game at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chiefs won 37-27. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers offensive guard D.J. Fluker (76) blocks Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Jarvis Jenkins (94) as quarterback Philip Rivers (17) receives the ball during the second half of the game at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chiefs won 37-27. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Giants signed D.J. Fluker to a one-year prove-it deal. Fluker is ready to compete for a winner—specifically at right guard.

The New York Giants have committed to creating depth along the offensive line. With starters Ereck Flowers, Justin Pugh, and Weston Richburg all set to return, the Giants re-signed John Jerry and acquired former Top 15 draft pick D.J. Fluker.

Though the signing of Fluker is somewhat polarizing, it appears to have lit a fire under the former first-round draft pick.

Fluker was selected at No. 11 overall in the 2013 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers. He underachieved in San Diego, but he may have revealed the reason for his struggles during a recent interview.

During an appearance on Sirius XM NFL Radio, Fluker claimed that he’s willing to work his tail off—especially for a team that actually wants to win (h/t Ed Valentine of Big Blue View).

"“They have that winning tradition,” Fluker said. “That means a lot to me, I work my tail off. I’d like to be a part of a team that actually wants to work, that actually wants to be good and win games. I’m all for it.”"

That’s both praise for the way the Giants operate and criticism of the Chargers organization.

Fluker is a 6’5″ and 339-pound athletic force who has spent time at both right tackle and right guard. He won three BCS National Championships with the Alabama Crimson Tide and was named a First Team All-American in 2012.

The hope in New York is that the 26-year-old is willing to put the work in to finally tap into his Pro Bowl potential.

With a one-year prove-it deal worth just $3 million, there isn’t much risk involved in exploring his upside.

Though Fluker is positionally versatile, he stated during the Sirius XM NFL Radio interview that he wants to play right guard in New York. If he wins the starting job, he would solidify the interior alongside Pugh and Richburg.

Though Fluker graded poorly in run protection during the 2016 NFL offseason, he did an acceptable job against the pass rush.

Must Read: Five reasons to draft Deshaun Watson

The New York Giants have a desperate need to improve in pass and run protection. D.J. Fluker’s work ethic will be one of the keys to execution.

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