The re-structuring of the New York Giants offensive line continues. A report in The Bergen Record this morning indicates that the Giants have told vetern offensive lineman David Diehl that he will move from left tackle to left guard this season, with 2009 second-round draft choice Will Beatty taking over at left tackle.
The move, if indeed it does come to fruition, can hardly be considered a stunner. The Giants are set to release incumbent starting center Shaun O'Hara and incumbent starting left guard Rich Seubert, along with backup lineman Shawn Andrews.
Diehl, an eight-year veteran, started several games at left guard last season due to injuries as the Giants were forced to shuffle linemen. During his career, Diehl has started at every position on the line except center. He was selected in the fifth round of the 2003 NFL Draft as a guard.
Diehl was graded among the worst tackles in the league the past two seasons by Pro Football Focus. He had a -22.7 grade as a tackle in 2010, and a -9.9 mark in 2209.
Beatty was given an opportunity to win the job during training camp a season ago and performed fairly well, but the Giants chose to stay with Diehl at tackle for one more season.
The Giants line will consist of Beatty at left tackle, Diehl at left guard, free-agent acquisition David Baas at center, Chris Snee at right guard and Kareem McKenzie at right tackle.