Giants snag OT Ereck Flowers to bolster offensive line
Follow the action with our NFL Draft Tracker, which includes all seven rounds, scouting profiles, trades and rumors.
The New York Giants have selected offensive tackle Ereck Flowers out of Miami with the ninth overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft.
Some might call it a bit of a reach for the Giants to take Flowers this early, but New York is desperate for help in protecting Eli Manning.
Justin Pugh has been developing slowly at right tackle and with the Giants converting to a more pass-happy offense under offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo, pass protection is even more paramount for the G-Men.
Will Beatty has been decent at left tackle, but he's 30 years old, and it's never too early to start grooming a replacement.
Ereck Flowers Bio
Position: OT
School: Miami (FL)
College Experience: Junior
Height: 6-6
Weight: 324 lbs.
Age: 20
Combine Results
| Event | Result |
|---|---|
| 40-yd Dash | 5.31 sec |
| Bench Press | 37 reps |
| Vertical Jump | N/A |
| Broad Jump | N/A |
| 3-Cone Drill | N/A |
| 20-yd Shuttle | N/A |
Strengths
- Massive, athletic frame.
- Displays good awareness and instinct.
- Has the agility to excel in a zone-blocking scheme.
- Led all offensive linemen with 37 reps on the bench press at the combine, which is extremely impressive given his long arms (34.5 inches).
- Plays with intensity and aggressiveness.
- Mirrors pass rushers well and is able to get to the second level quickly.
- Experience at both left and right tackle, though there is some debate of which position he would be better suited to at the NFL level.
- Durable; missed just one game after undergoing surgery for a minor knee injury in 2014.
- Was praised for his leadership abilities during his time at Miami.
Weaknesses
- Needs to improve in pass protection, particularly against smaller, speedier defenders. He often leans forward, causing him to lose balance.
- Occasionally late off the snap.
- Has a tendency to get his hands too high and wide, leading to holding penalties. He was flagged for six holding penalties over his last two seasons at Miami.