The New York Giants bolstered the offensive line this offseason, re-signing right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor and selecting Francis Mauigoa with the No. 10 overall pick.
While Mauigoa will eventually take over at tackle, he will start at right guard, alongside Eluemunor, who is excited about what the rookie can bring to the line.
“He’s a big guy that kind of fits my game, fits my mentality,” Eluemunor told Mark Cannizzaro of the New York Post on Monday. “I’m really excited to get him. I’ve been teaching.” [teammates] the ropes for a while now – I’m pretty good at it – so I think we’ll make a good partnership.”
The Giants inked Eluemunor to a three-year, $39 million contract this offseason. With two years guaranteed, there is a window for Big Blue to let Mauigoa get his feet wet before allowing him to take over at tackle. Eluemunor noted that at 31 years old, he does not see himself as an older, mentor-player, but is ready to teach what he has learned in his 9-year career.
“Mentorship sometimes means you’re near the end of your career and I’m nowhere near that. I’m right there. So for me, I’m going to take him with me. He’ll be right by me, hopefully for a long time.”
Eluemunor is coming off his best season as a pass rusher, allowing a career-low 19 QB pressures in a season in which he has taken at least 500 snaps. As solid as he has been in pass protection, he struggles in run blocking and was flagged 14 times last season.
Initially, plugging Mauigoa at right guard fills a huge hole on the interior of the offensive line. But his talent suggests it won’t be too long before he vaults Eluemunor into the tackle spot opposite Andrew Thomas.
In the meantime, on paper, the Giants will have their best blocking crew in years.
“I feel like our offensive line can be a top 10 line,” Eluemunor said.
If he’s close to righting the bullpen, it would be a piece of the puzzle for a potential quick turnaround under John Harbaugh.