After passing up the opportunity to bolster their offensive line at the No. 12 pick last year, the Giants took the best tackle available on Thursday night at No. 9.
Ereck Flowers, the 6-6, 330 pounder, opened eyes at the combine with a stunning 37 reps on the bench press. Widely believed to be the most powerful run blocker in the draft, he'll instantly provide offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo with some security up front.
The pick immediately allows the Giants to bump 2013 first-round pick Justin Pugh from right tackle down to guard, a more natural fit for the former Syracuse standout. Flowers can start on the right side and eventually move over to the left if and when the team moves on from current left tackle Will Beatty.
The Giants toggled between Odell Beckham Jr. and star rookie offensive lineman Zack Martin a year ago, but opted for a player that turned out to be the best playmaker in the draft.
Now, the help up front has arrived.
At the moment, the Giants now have a pair of first-round picks (Pugh, Flowers) and a second-round pick from a year ago (Weston Richburg) expected to start.
Eli Manning, who is hoping to stay healthy as he plays out the final year of his contract, has to be pleased.
Flowers is the first Miami Hurricane to be selected in the first round since Kenny Phillips back in 2008, also a Giants pick. He is the fourth straight first-round pick used by the Giants on offense.
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