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5 New York Giants Who Must Step Up During 2015 OTAs

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5 New York Giants Who Must Step Up During 2015 OTAs

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The New York Giants begin OTAs with a remodeled offensive line and two new starting safeties, along with rookies expected to make big impacts Week 1. Ereck Flowers will be the team's new starting left tackle, and the search for a second starting safety continues, as well. Here are five players who must step up during OTAs.

5. Justin Pugh

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Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

5. Justin Pugh

justin pugh new york giants
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

After playing two seasons at right tackle, Justin Pugh is making the switch to left guard in the Giants' new-look offensive line. Losing Will Beatty for an extended period of time hurts the depth greatly, but Pugh and rookie Ereck Flowers will need to make a strong duo on the left side to ease the burden.

4. Cooper Taylor

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Jim O'Connor-USA TODAY Sports

4. Cooper Taylor

cooper taylor new york giants
Jim O'Connor-USA TODAY Sports

Aside from offensive tackle, safety is by far the thinnest position on the team. With no returning starters from a year ago, third-year pro Cooper Taylor will get a shot at the second starting spot next to rookie Landon Collins. Nate Berhe is out with a calf injury, which will give Taylor reps with the first-team defense for some time.

3. Cullen Jenkins

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3. Cullen Jenkins

cullen jenkins new york giants
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Cullen Jenkins and Johnathan Hankins have always been projected as starters on the defensive line for 2015, but Jenkins could see time at defensive end rather than tackle -- especially after Robert Ayers was carted off the practice field on the first day. Although Ayers' injury doesn't appear to be serious, it could still give Jenkins reps at defensive end in his absence. He'll be an important player all across that defensive front.

2. Jon Beason

Jon Beason New York Giants
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

2. Jon Beason

Jon Beason New York Giants
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Much of the New York Giants' success at linebacker hinges on health -- and it begins with Jon Beason. If Beason can prove he can stay on the field, unlike the past five seasons, the linebacker group should be fine. Devon Kennard, J.T. Thomas and Jonathan Casillas will all battle for starting spots as well, but the success of this group depends on Beason's ability to stay on the field and be productive.

1. Ereck Flowers

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Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

1. Ereck Flowers

ereck flowers new york giants
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Top 10 picks are always expected to come in and contribute right away, but the situation with Ereck Flowers is different. With Will Beatty out for an extended period of time due to a pectoral muscle injury, Flowers will be asked to slide over to left tackle and deal with opposing teams' best pass rushers. Flowers was expected to start on the right side, but Beatty's injury will force the Giants to speed up the rookie's progression.

Cameron DaSilva is a writer for RantSports.
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