The New York Giants tried a new offensive line configuration today. The Giants completed their fourth day of training camp today, the second practice in a row where starting center Jon Feliciano was absent. During yesterday’s practice, backup center Jamil Douglas played with the first team to fill in for Feliciano. The Giants tried something different today, though. Projected starting left guard Shane Lemieux moved over to center and Joshua Ezeudu took his spot at left guard. After a solid day of practice, could a position change to center be in the cards for Lemieux?
Could Shane Lemieux be the Giants’ starting center?
The New York Giants signed Jon Feliciano to a one-year, $3.25 million contract this offseason. Feliciano played guard with the Buffalo Bills, but the Giants signed him to be their starting center. Jon Feliciano has been absent from the last two practices dealing with heat and hydration issues. Shane Lemieux filled in for Feliciano on day four of camp.
Jamil Douglas filled in as the first team center on day three playing next to Shane Lemieux (left guard). Douglas struggled and the Giants subsequently took a look at another center option with Lemieux receiving the first team snaps on Saturday. Despite getting into a brawl with nose tackle Dexter Lawrence, Shane Lemieux looked good at center in practice.
Reports indicate that Shane Lemieux had a good day of practice and played well in the new position. Moving into Lemieux’s usual spot of left guard was third-round rookie Joshua Ezeudu. The sixty-seventh overall pick in this year’s draft has been playing left guard with the second team during camp but this was his first opportunity to play with the starters.
Shane Lemieux is likely to open the 2022 season as the Giants’ starting left guard. Joshua Ezeudu has a lot of potential, but will probably be on the second team as a rookie while he develops his game. Jon Feliciano should still be the starting center, but it is good for the New York Giants to now know that Shane Lemieux has some positional flexibility and can move to center in case of any injuries.
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