Bricillo Earns Praise for Giants Offensive Line

The New York Giants need the offensive line to be better in 2024. It’s a non-starter after giving the single-season sack record a run for its money in 2023.

But wishcasting at the league’s most physical position isn’t a recipe for success. Change was necessary, and the front office delivered.

New York signed offensive linemen Jon Runyan Jr., Jermaine Eluemunor, and Aaron Stinnie early in free agency. In the opening days of training camp, it became clear reinforcements were still needed, and guard Greg Van Roten was welcomed into the fold.

The biggest switch up front may be off the field, where offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo was brought in to replace Bobby Johnson.

On Tuesday, Giants assistant general manager Brandon Brown spoke about the unit and the impact Bricillo has had on it.

“I think when you look at the offensive line right now, they’re starting to have that gel and continuity,” Brown said, courtesy of Art Stapleton . “There’s a certain feel in the room. Hats off to Carm Bricillo. The way Carm teaches it, he doesn’t take anything for granted. He’s stripping the rep down, working stunts and games in practice.

“And when you can add guys like Jermaine Eluemunor and Runyan and guys that have had continuity together – and you add Van Roten later on – where there’s a level of maturity and accountability in that room. It feels a little different. So I’m happy where it’s at.”

Notably, Bricillo has played a role in shaping New York’s personnel. Bricillo was the Las Vegas Raiders offensive line coach in 2023. He presided over Eluemunor at right tackle and Van Roten beside him at right guard. The latter had the best year of his career in that environment; it’s no coincidence he wound up finding Bricillo again.

Add in fullback Jakob Johnson and the strongest parts of last year’s Raiders offense have a path to making big-time impacts in the Big Apple.

Brown spoke to Bricillo’s impact on New York’s younger talents as well.

Related: Daboll Reacts to Giants Offensive Line vs. Texans

“John Michael (Schmitz), Evan (Neal), even some of our young guys who are lesser known as depth players, I’m happy with where they’re going because there’s a level of accountability in that room right now where I think it’s headed in the right direction,” Brown said.

The Giants needed to spend up front, and did so successfully. But it will be the steps taken by Schmitz and, potentially, Neal that shape the long-term outlook of this offensive line. The early returns have been favorable given the unit’s performance through two preseason contests.