NFL 2018: Every team’s biggest training camp battle
By Randy Gurzi
New York Giants: Center
After losing Weston Richburg in 2018 NFL free agency, the New York Giants find themselves in the unenviable spot of needing a replacement to step up. Center is one of the most underrated positions in the entire NFL and the Giants failed to secure a new starter after losing Richburg and that could come back to haunt them this year.
Now, this by no means is meant to knock the G-Men. Richburg is a talented player, but even with him, the line needed some work. They decided rather than pay Richburg the $47.5 million the San Francisco 49ers shelled out over five seasons, they would target a left tackle in Nate Solder.
While it is true the center position is undervalued, left tackle is still the most important position on the line and the Giants got a good one. They also got a great guard in rookie Will Hernandez, meaning the line could be much better in 2018 — provided of course they find someone to man the middle who is at least capable.
The most likely player will be Brett Jones, who does have 15 career starts, mostly at guard. He has served as the backup center as well which gives him the inside edge. New York has a real chance to go from worst to first this season and landing the right center will be key in getting that done.