The Giants will deploy their seventh different starting offensive line in 10 games on Sunday against the Chiefs. With right tackle Justin Pugh out with a back injury, rookie Chad Wheeler is set to make his first career start, according to a person familiar with the situation.
Bobby Hart opened the season as the starting right tackle, but an ankle injury coupled with poor play has allowed Wheeler to jump him on the depth chart. The Giants already had to move Pugh from left guard to right tackle due to Hart's injury and ineffectiveness. |
“He’s just a goofy, clumsy looking dude,” fellow rookie Evan Engram said with a laugh.
But no one — not the coaches, not Engram and not Pugh — doubts this “goofy dude’s” ability.
“Definitely one of the fastest learners in the whole locker room from day one,” Engram said. “He has a lot of potential.”
“We didn’t have a chance to get him up last week,” coach Ben McAdoo said of Wheeler, who has played just two snaps. “But as a young player, [he] played big time college football at a high level. And he’s someone that we feel has a high ceiling.”
“Chad, coming in this year, I think he made an impression on everybody,” Pugh said. “He’s got all the talent in the world.
“He’s going to be starter in the NFL on the offensive line for a lot of years.”
Rookie lineman wants to be the answer to major Giants question - ( New Window )
Finding a tackle that can play would make this awful season a bit better
Adam Koets, Mitch Petrus, Brandon Mosley, James Brewer, Eric Herman, Bobby Hart (ironically, we cut Matt McCants, who probably had a more successful career than any of the guys listed).
Inability to draft and develop even backup-level OL is inexcusable.
It should be an interesting spring. I just hope the new staff doesn't make pre-spring position decisions (Perkins, Flowers, Hart) and instead uses the time to make evaluations. (I think there was TOO much concern for continuity.)
agreed.
famous last words.......
Finding a tackle that can play would make this awful season a bit better
Wouldn't it be great if he played well, so we can wonder why he wasn't inserted sooner?
Let's face it, it's an act of desperation, not evaluation....
Undrafted player, whose only experience was against 2nd/3rd rounders in preseason.....he will be welcomed to the NFL....
Whether he plays well or not, one game is not going to decide it....chances are he plays the rest of the season, unless he is injured.....the rest of the season will be a good test for him......but I will be surprised if he is starter material...
Its not like there won't be open spots come next season...
True. And regardless or what position each plays next year, signing a veteran G, drafting a G or C in rd 2+ may make it easier to go QB in the first round. AND, have 3-4/5 of a young OL for '19/20>.
If CW has the feet for LT, he may readily have them for RT.
getting bashed on a weekly basis it would be a huge plus if
he started playing at a pro bowl level or at least a solid
fixture there . Its good Wheeler get some playing time and see if he can develop so many question marks heading into
next season especially with at least four contracts to decide on .
I think he will do well.
Flowers would thrive at RT. He could become an all-pro on the right side. Wheeler is much better on the left side IF he can earn a starting spot. If he does that would be a huge development. Regardless of whether or not Pugh is re-signed the Giants need to add at least one starting caliber guard this offseason and a center to compete with Jones. Ideally they will add a mid range FA guard and draft another in round 2 like Price would can also play center.
Glad to see Jonc giving his educated opinion, when it comes to X's & O's, and player evaluation he's the go-to guy. I can't be the only one on this forum that 'stalks' jonc's posts on these types of topics
How many times was Eli hit? Maybe only the one "good" hit, but wasn't that on a stunt? And he had a long time on that one, as well, iirc.
Positives there, to be sure.
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Funny thing is Wheeler is their most natural LT on the roster.
Glad to see Jonc giving his educated opinion, when it comes to X's & O's, and player evaluation he's the go-to guy. I can't be the only one on this forum that 'stalks' jonc's posts on these types of topics
wtf?? Jon is a good poster, but this is just strange
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In comment 13698697 JonC said:
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Funny thing is Wheeler is their most natural LT on the roster.
Glad to see Jonc giving his educated opinion, when it comes to X's & O's, and player evaluation he's the go-to guy. I can't be the only one on this forum that 'stalks' jonc's posts on these types of topics
wtf?? Jon is a good poster, but this is just strange
I'd say your response is strange, Jon is one of the best contributers here.