The Giants offensive line took a giant step back last season, and was one of the key components to a struggling running game. Kareem McKenzie and Rich Seubert each saw their play decline last year. Their struggles hurt the entire line and the Giants have realized it is time to mix some things up.
McKenzie looks like he’ll keep his spot, simply because the Giants have no better option. Seubert, however, will probably lose his to David Diehl, which will help improve two spots for the Giants. In the move assumed to take place, second year tackle William Beatty will take over left tackle and Diehl will slide into left guard, his more natural position. The move gives more strength in the guard spot, putting two pro bowlers in Diehl and Snee around Shaun O’Hara, a pro bowler in his own right, and the line leader.
On the outside Beatty provides a quicker and more athletic tackle who can handle the speedy pass rushers seen at right end more easily than Diehl. Beatty also proved to be a pretty effective mauler in the running game from his time playing the right side when McKenzie bowed out with an injury late last season.
The move leaves one weakness in McKenzie, who they can probably sneak one more year out of. I was hoping the Giants would draft a lineman in the draft, which they did, it just happened to be on the defensive side.
As much as I like Pierre-Paul, if they got Iupati or Bryan Bulaga they could have formed one of the best offensive lines in football. Iupati could have filled in for Seubert allowing Diehl to slide over to right tackle instead, a position he played very well in when given the opportunity. Or they could have taken the good, but less talented, Bulaga to take over the right tackle position and keep Diehl at guard. Either way, just by sliding Beatty into a starting spot should improve the line greatly.
The depth still isn’t great, but definitely improves with fifth round pick Mitch Petrus. He is a hard worker and was a standout in Arkansas. He also tied the combine lead with 45 reps, proving he can be a mauler in the run game. His addition along with the players position flexibility should keep the line afloat through injuries, as long as there aren’t too many of them.
The line changes along with the re-emergence of Jacobs should see the return of the Giants running game and give balance to their offense.
by Evan Slavit at the Sports Fan Blog Network
