New York Giants: 5 players who must improve

TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 01: New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) and New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) chat on the sideline during an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 01, 2017, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Roy K. Miller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 10: Ereck Flowers #74 of the New York Giants in action against Benson Mayowa #93 of the Dallas Cowboys during their game at MetLife Stadium on December 10, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

4. Ereck Flowers

The Giants did their best to unload Flowers during the draft, but they were unsuccessful. Now, the enigmatic offensive tackle projects as a starter on the right side of the team’s offensive line. He needs to play much better this year to justify a starting spot.

The team had high expectations when they took Flowers with the No. 9 pick back in the 2015 Draft. He hasn’t come anywhere near living up to those standards as of yet. That’s why the team elected to decline Flowers’ fifth-year option back in May.

Perhaps the move from left tackle to right tackle will take some pressure off Flowers. Instead of being trusted to protect Eli Manning’s blind side, he can focus more on generating push for Saquon Barkley on the strong side of most formations.

It’s a make or break year for Flowers. If he plays well he’ll give the Giants offense a massive boost. If he doesn’t, he may be out of the league in 2018. He has the most to lose of any New York player this season.

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