Saquon Barkley and the Improved Offensive Line

The Giants have failed to have a 1,000-yard rusher since 2012. Ahmad Bradshaw was the last RB to do it for the G-Men. The Giants have been searching for a rushing attack that rivaled the one they had in their Super Bowl years with guys like Brandon Jacobs, Bradshaw, and Derrick Ward. The backfield was once nicknamed “Earth, Wind, and Fire” with these guys toting the rock (Giants fans might get teary eyed thinking about those days).

The Giants held the second overall pick this off-season. With the second pick, they selected Saquon Barkley, running back out of Penn State. New York fans lit up with excitement when they drafted him, knowing they had their future star RB. At Penn State, Barkley was a human highlight reel doing everything for the Nittany Lions. He would throw a touchdown, rush for 18 touchdowns, catch three touchdowns, and return two kick returns for touchdowns. Did I mention he did it all? Barkley was just the beginning of the Giants effort to improve their run game.

During the offseason, the Giants signed LT Nate Solder in hopes to build a sturdier offensive line. Solder came from the New England Patriots where he’s been one of the best LTs in the NFL for a few years. This was a huge step in the right direction for the Giants in constructing their new-look line.

The Giants would also add LG Patrick Omameh in free agency. Omameh has been a very solid guard for the Jacksonville Jaguars the past couple of seasons. New York also added another guard in Will Hernandez through the NFL Draft. Hernandez was the second round pick for the Giants, while most scouts had him as a first round talent. In his collegiate career, Hernandez was known for his impressive run blocking at UTEP. Good luck getting in the way of a 6’2″, 325-pound freight train that is Will Hernandez.

The Giants had a very good offseason on paper, improving in major areas. The run game and offensive line were huge needs and they drastically improved in those areas. It was much needed to help Eli Manning who is on the latter part of his career and isn’t performing at the level he once has. You add an elite rushing attack to a weapon like Odell Beckham Jr., you’re likely to get positive results. If the Giants can pound the ball with Barkley, thus limiting turnovers from Manning, it could allow the Giants to steal the NFC East crown this season.