Does John Jerry have a place on 2018 Giants?

Why is John Jerry still a member of the New York Giants? Considering that Jerry, a 16-game starter last season and a player who has started 56 games for the Giants over the past four years, appears to be the odd man out in the re-shuffled offensive line it is a good question.

Let’s examine it, and take a closer look at Jerry as we continue our player-by-player profiles of the Giants’ 90-man roster.

2017 season in review

While the players around him kept floating in and out of the lineup due to injuries or poor performance, and in some cases disappearing altogether, Jerry did what he always has done. He showed up to play every week. The 2017 season marked the sixth straight year Jerry played in all 16 games, and in five of those years he started all 16.

Jerry moved from his usual right guard spot to the left side midseason. He finished the year with a 71.4 Pro Football Focus grade, in the “average” category. He allowed only 1.5 sacks, and has been charged with surrendering only 3.5 sacks over three seasons, encompassing 40 starts.

2018 outlook

Jerry is a capable player, albeit a better pass than run blocker. He doesn’t have a place in the starting lineup with Patrick Omameh and Will Hernandez at the guards. He has been working as a second-team right guard, but it is debatable whether or not he makes the final roster. John Greco and the loser of the Jon Halapio/Brett Jones center competition could fill in at guard. So, too, could veteran Chris Scott, or perhaps someone else who has a good training camp.

In my view, I find it unlikely that the Giants end up keeping Jerry on the final roster.