New York Giants J.D. Walton says he’s 100%
The New York Giants made a few significant moves on the offensive line this offseason, as they added former Kansas City Chiefs top-quality guard Geoff Schwartz, who is an excellent run blocker and has the versatility to play at either guard or tackle. They also picked up former Denver Broncos center J.D. Walton and drafted Colorado State center Weston Richburg, who is arguably the top center in the rookie class.
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According to NJ.com’s Conor Orr, Walton stated that he feels 100%, and it will be interesting to see how the competition at center plays out. Walton has the advantage over Richburg in the experience department, but Richburg is obviously younger. Long-term upside doesn’t matter much in the context of one season, though, so both players will have to earn their keeps. Eli Manning was pressured into poor decisions far too often last season, so it’s great to see that the Giants drafted Odell Beckham Jr. and added some much-needed changes to their line, which was just abysmal and old last season. Chris Snee’s return to health will only help, and I’m sure new RBs Rashad Jennings and Andre Williams are elated to see that there will be a much better push up front; the Giants run blocking was just pathetic last year.
Walton hasn’t played a snap since Week 4 of the 2012 season due to a broken ankle, but the Giants seem to be high on the 27-year-old Baylor product after handing him $3 million in guaranteed money on a two-year deal they inked with him this offseason. The position battle at center will be among the most enticing in the NFC East this offseason, so it’s great to hear some more confirmation that Walton is “ready to go”.