Mailbag: Offensive line, play of rookies headline this week’s questions

The New York Giants have concluded their offseason workouts, including 10 OTAs and three mandatory minicamp practices. As we begin the long wait until the beginning of training camp at the end of July, let’s open the Big Blue View mailbag and see what is on your mind.

Ed says: Sure, it is entirely possible that veteran guys who have always played left tackle want to find teams where they can stay at left tackle rather than switch positions. The Giants have made it clear they believe Flowers is their long-term left tackle, but they haven’t completely closed the door on moving him to the right side. It could happen if the Giants think it’s the only way to upgrade the line, but I think it’s a move the Giants really don’t want to make.

Why, after a year on the left, move the guy to the right for a year and then back to the left next season? What good does that do Flowers? It probably just screws him up, and the Giants invested the ninth overall pick in the draft on the guy a year ago. Most likely, they are going to make him prove he absolutely can’t be a good NFL left tackle before they move him. And I support that.

Ed says: There are a bunch of them. The last couple of wide receivers, tight end, which running backs are kept, linebacker, corner, safety, backups on the defensive line. It’s going to be a competitive camp

William Ridley asks: I saw something about Apple still being a bit 'handsy'. Do you know if he has shown progress in the short time thus far or do you think it might take a season?

Ed says: Apple does have a habit of grabbing too much, and it isn’t something that can be fixed overnight. He is aware of it, the coaches are aware of it, they are drilling “feet before hands” into him. Remember, this is a kid who only played two years of college football. He is showing improvement, and he looks like he could be a good player.

Nicholas Digeronimo asks: Is [Darian] Thompson getting first team reps because it helps him get experience or is Thompson truly the favorite to win the free safety spot?

Ed says: Thompson is getting first-team reps because he has earned them. He split them throughout OTAs with Nat Berhe, and appeared to take them all during minicamp because Berhe was being rested due to his calf surgery. I don’t know if Thompson is the favorite, but he and Berhe are competing and I won’t be surprised at all if Thompson wins the job.

Vernon Nesbit asks: What was your impression of undrafted FA's Ishaq Williams and [Romeo] Owarka?

Ed says: There is really nothing to go on at this point. All of the practices have been in shorts and t-shirts. We won’t know much until training camp.

Vincent Michaels asks: If the Giants are unable to land Eugene Monroe or talk Anthony Davis out of retirement, is there any chance Will Beatty ends up back with the team?

Ed says: I would be shocked if Beatty played for the Giants again. I have said this before, but that train has left the station. Sometimes an employee-employer relationship just runs its course and it’s best if the two sides go their separate ways. I have the impression that something like that happened here. They decided on a divorce, and I doubt there will be a reconciliation.