Miami offensive lineman Ereck Flowers became the No. 9 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft when the Giants selected him in the first round. A run-blocking specialist, Flowers started at left tackle his last two years in college and figures to be an impact player right away. He possesses a large frame at 6’6, 329 pounds, and couples that impressive build with strength and athleticism.
2015 NFL Draft results: Ereck Flowers drafted by Giants
Ereck Flowers will shore up the Giants’ offensive line from the get-go.
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That raw talent was apparent with his combine-leading 37 reps at the bench press. He ran a 5.31 40-yard dash, which put him in the middle of the pack among offensive linemen.
The former Hurricane plays with a mean streak, which is something that will serve him well at the next level. He doesn’t like to get beaten and takes it personally at times. That makes him a strong candidate to improve since things figure to get more difficult as a pro.
The biggest deficiency among all the positives is that Flowers can get beaten in pass protection because of his questionable balance. For a left tackle, that’s a major fault that needs to be addressed. Still, his raw strength and competitiveness should propel him to be a standout in the NFL.
At this point, however, he’s a work in progress. His measurables are impressive, but how he responds to coaching and his mental makeup will be a determining factor in his potential success. If he can sustain blocks against smaller, faster pass rushers, he figures to reward his new team.
New York has serious needs along the offensive line, but they had plenty of options at No. 9. With big needs at defensive tackle and wide receiver, there was some doubt that Flowers would be the guy with Brandon Scherff already off the clock. But Flowers can come in and start wherever the Giants need him -- likely at tackle.
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