Slayton Analyzes Giants Offensive Line

New York Giants receiver Darius Slayton has seen a lot of things since being drafted in 2019. A good offensive line hasn’t been one of them.

Time and time again, the Giants have sent quarterback Daniel Jones out, hoping his mobility and quick-game prowess were enough to overcome shaky play up front. In 2022, Jones did enough to earn a playoff spot. In the other four seasons, he’s won 13 games.

Subsequently, his connection with his preferred target, Slayton, has yet to see its fullest potential.

Perhaps that will be squandered by rookie receiver Malik Nabers entering the fold and soaking up targets, along with the clock ticking on Slayton’s contract. But New York did make an attempt to improve its offensive line this offseason.

The Giants signed guards Jon Runyan Jr. and Greg Van Roten at opposite ends of the offseason and also added tackle Jermaine Eluemunor. Van Roten and Eluemunor had the best years of their careers together at right guard and tackle, respectively, with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Their offensive line coach, Carmen Bricillo, is now with New York.

“It's been really exciting,” Slayton said on Monday . “Like you said, those guys have come in and done a great job embracing the task and they've played really good ball throughout camp. I think this is probably one of our better, maybe the best camp, since I've been here that we had up front, both on pass protection and in the run game.

“It's been a blessing to have those guys be here and they're veteran players and guys that know what they're doing and have been great additions to our team.”

Related: Bricillo Earns Praise for Giants Offensive Line

Needless to say, the unit’s performance – headlined by left tackle Andrew Thomas – is integral to keeping Jones healthy, upright, and effective. Swapping out Saquon Barkley for Devin Singletary only adds to the line’s importance, too.

It’s worth noting that the Giants practiced with the full first-team offensive line for the first time last week , a uniquely late start to the group’s cohesion. But if the free agents play up to par, there is reason to believe this will be the best version Slayton has seen.