The New York Giants couldn't really afford the loss of tackle Will Beatty to a torn pectoral muscle. Yes, the team drafted mammoth tackle Ereck Flowers in the first-round of the 2015 NFL Draft and yes, every team is forced to deal with unforeseen injuries to starters and their often far-reaching effects on the rest of the lineup, but considering the franchise already faced issues of not only depth, but questions of the level of play of their starting offensive line, Beatty's injury was a major blow to the Giants. While Beatty is expected to return at some point during the regular season, it seems that Giants GM Jerry Reese isn't content to sit around and wait for the big blocker. To that end, Reese is bringing in former first-overall pick Jake Long for a workout, according to Rand Getlin of NFL.com.
Long, the first pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, is coming off his second ACL tear in as many seasons. He recently turned 30 and has probably passed his expiration date as a full-time starter in the NFL. After starting every game for the Miami Dolphins during his first three years in the NFL, Long missed 16 games total over the last four as a member of both the Dolphins and the St. Louis Rams.
Before Long tore his ACL prior to the 2014 season, one team offered a scouting report on his current abilities. Via ESPN...
"Tough and aggressive. One of the better run-blocking left tackles in the league. His pass protection has declined as he struggles to mirror quicker speed rushers. ... Injuries are taking a toll on Long, who is best suited as a right tackle to handle power as he struggles with speed and especially quick inside moves. But he still has the size, feel, and toughness to hold up as a starter, but is declining.''
With the expected recovery time for Beatty's injury pegged at five to six months, putting his return to the field likely somewhere around October or November, it would make sense for Reese to make an addition to the position. It's possible that Flowers could develop quicker than expected, though one of the main concerns with him coming out of Virginia Tech was that he was raw.
The team already had plans to kick Justin Pugh inside and it seems things will stay that way. Marshall Newhouse is likely locked-in at right tackle, but if the Giants are to take another step forward offensively next season, they'll need competent blocking, especially on Eli Manning's blindside. Otherwise, all that elite offensive weaponry like Odell Beckham, Jr. and Victor Cruz won't mean much as Manning is running for his life and planted on his rear-end time and time again.
