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The New York Giants spent much of the offseason trying to upgrade an offensive line that had too many injured starters and too much inadequate depth in 2013. Is there still a role in 2014 for James Brewer, one of those fill-ins last season who was found wanting? Let's look at Brewer as we continue our player-by-player profiles of the 90-man roster that will report to training camp for the Giants on July 21.
2013 Season In Review
The 2011 fourth-round pick got real playing time for the first time in his career last season as injuries felled starters Chris Snee, David Baas and David Diehl. Brewer started eight games at left and right guard, and did not impress. In 443 snaps, he earned a Pro Football Focus grade of -9.9. He was -5.6 in run-blocking and -6.3 in pass-blocking, with only a +2.0 for being penalized just once all season helping his score. Brewer allowed one sack and 15 pressures.
2014 Outlook
Judging by how active the Giants have been in the offseason, it certainly appears that the Giants weren't thrilled with what they saw from Brewer in their first extended regular-season look at the 6-foot-6, 323-pounder. The Giants added a new starting guard in Geoff Schwartz and a probable new starting center in J.D. Walton. They added depth in former NFL starters Charles Brown and John Jerry. They drafted Weston Richburg in the second round, and appear to be setting Richburg up as the primary backup for both Walton at center and returning veteran Chris Snee at right guard. During OTAs Brandon Mosley, and not Brewer, has also been receiving some first-team guard reps.
Where does all of that leave Brewer? Probably fighting to stay on the roster as the team's ninth or 10th offensive lineman. Brewer's ability to play every position on the line except center, and the fact that he does now have some legitimate playing experience, should be enough to keep him on the roster. It seems unlikely, however, that Brewer will play a key role. Unless, of course, there is another rash of injuries to the players ahead of him.