Niner Noise
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49ers 2018 draft plans: Quality of players selected ninth overall in the NFL Draft

By Chris Wilson

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 31: Anthony Barr #55 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates after tackling Michael Burton #46 of the Chicago Bears for no gain on third down in the first quarter of the game on December 31, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 31: Anthony Barr #55 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates after tackling Michael Burton #46 of the Chicago Bears for no gain on third down in the first quarter of the game on December 31, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /
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49ers Draft Ereck Flowers
CLEVELAND, OH – AUGUST 21: Myles Garrett #95 of the Cleveland Browns tries to get past a block by Ereck Flowers #74 of the New York Giants in the first half of a preseason game at FirstEnergy Stadium on August 21, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

T Ereck Flowers, 2015

In 2015, the New York Giants chose a risky player at a high-value position when they selected tackle Ereck Flowers — a player with potential character concerns, who overcame poor technique with his physical ability.

Flowers — who played both tackle positions in college — was thrust into the left-tackle role, but struggled mightily, receiving a 35.5 overall grade from Pro Football Focus during his rookie season. When Flowers failed to develop over his next two seasons, Giants fans and the New York media lashed out, begging the team to bench the first-round draft pick.

The Giants waited until this offseason to replace Flowers at left tackle with free-agent addition Nate Solder, who they signed to a four-year, $62-million contract last week. Flowers will now compete for a starting job on the right side of the Giants’ offensive line.

Flowers will have to show drastic improvement at his new position if he expects the Giants to exercise his fifth-year option prior to the 2019 season.