Giants sign top draft pick, OT Ereck Flowers

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) Tackle Ereck Flowers, the New York Giants' top draft pick this year, has signed a four-year contract with the team.

Flowers negotiated the deal himself, which the Giants announced Thursday at the end of their minicamp. He is slotted to make around $14.5 million with a signing bonus in the neighborhood of $8.7 million. The team holds an option on a fifth year.

New York expects Flowers to move into the starting lineup at left tackle; incumbent Will Beatty is sidelined with a pectoral injury.

''I made a lot of progress,'' Flowers said of the minicamp. ''I have a better understanding of the plays. I got a lot more comfortable out there. Everything was a success.''

Flowers, 6-foot-6, 329-pounder out of Florida, added about the contract: ''Got a great deal done. Everything went good. It was smooth.''

The offensive line has been a source of concern for the Giants, and was a weak spot for much of last season. Offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo sees Flowers as a key part of this year's blocking unit.

''I am very comfortable with him being out there right now,'' McAdoo said. ''Nothing is ever set in stone. We look forward to getting back here in camp and seeing him jump in there right from the beginning and give a run at it.''

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