Ereck Flowers makes ESPN's All-Rookie Team

Two of the New York Giants’ first-year players found themselves on Mel Kiper’s Midseason All-Rookie Team, released this week.

Tackle Ereck Flowers and safety Landon Collins were among the 29 players added to Kiper’s list.

Both Flowers and Collins have been starters for the Giants since Week 1, and both, despite some visible mistakes at inopportune times, have played well in their respective positions; Flowers, in his protection of Eli Manning’s blindside and Collins in his athletic play against the pass on a team that leads the NFL in takeaways.

Collins leads the team with 44 total tackles and 61 combined tackles and has one interception. He nearly had a second on what could have been the game-clinching drive on Sunday when he had Tom Brady’s pass in his hands, but dropped it as he fell awkwardly to the turf.

“Collins has dealt with growing pains, but he was asked to take on a big role immediately, something we knew would happen when they drafted him,” Kiper said in his analysis of the rookie from Alabama. “He has plenty of promise.”

Kiper added that Flowers has impressed particularly because of his being forced early into the role after injuries opened holes in their offensive production, as they did for Collins in the secondary.

“They didn’t expect Flowers to be thrust into the role he’s in, and while he’s struggled in spots, I think they’re happier with him than they expected to be at this stage. The biggest question is whether Collins and Flowers can make strides and stay healthy? Get that from both, and you’re pretty pleased with this class.”

Flowers has started eight games and Collins nine for the 5-5 Giants. Flowers has the attitude and the athleticism to be a starter in this league, and Collins, as the analysts predicted ahead of the draft, plays his best at or near the line of scrimmage. He has been a very good tackler since his college days and can race any ball carrier to the sideline with ease.


(nyg.247sports.com)