OTAs already hint what the NY Giants OL will look like this season
With all the moves NY Giants general manager Joe Schoen made this offseason for the offensive line, you knew he was working overtime to improve things. Anything will be a step up for the G-Men in 2024, as the Giants gave up a league-worst 85 sacks last campaign.
Bobby Johnson has since been fired and Carmen Bricillo is the new position coach. With that said, the Giants are hard at work at OTAs this spring and it's looking like a starting unit is starting to develop.
With the team grinding, as expected, Evan Neal is lining up at right tackle, while Jon Runyan Jr. is at right guard, John Michael Schmitz is at center and Jermaine Eluemunor is at left guard. All-Pro standout Andrew Thomas is locked in as your left tackle too, we all know that:
What looks like Giants 1st team OL
— Bobby Skinner (@BobbySkinner_) May 20, 2024
LG: Jermaine Eluemunor
C: John Michael Schmitz
RG: Jon Runyan Jr.
RT: Evan Neal pic.twitter.com/vxsXujjy5p
The NY Giants need an improved offensive line group in 2024
This was the expected group up front, though there was some speculation as to where Eluemunor would line up after he signed. With his versatility, the former Raider can play either guard or tackle. For now, he'll be lining up next to Thomas at LG, but the door is open for him to switch to the outside to play RT if needed.
That could end up happening if third-year lineman Neal doesn't show major improvements this fall. Neal, a former No. 7 overall pick, has been a major disappointment during his first two years in the league. Neal was supposed to take a positive step in '23, but that didn't happen.
Neal ended the season battling an ankle issue, one that required surgery. Now, though, he's back on the field with Big Blue and even he must know that he has to finally start living up to his first-round hype. Otherwise, Eluemunor's number will be called to replace him before you know it.
Last campaign, the Giants offensive line was brutal to watch and injuries also impacted things for Thomas. However, with Eluemunor, Runyan and other new faces in East Rutherford, let's hope a formidable front five will be ready to deliver for head man Brian Daboll and quarterback Daniel Jones.
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