from espn.com

Tackle Olivea agrees to one-year deal with Giants
By John Clayton
ESPN.com

(Archive)
Updated: July 10, 2008, 5:29 PM ET

Former San Diego Chargers right tackle Shane Olivea, suspended last months for four games for violations of the NFL Substance Abuse Policy, has been reinstated and agreed to a one-year deal with the New York Giants.

Olivea's suspension was in part because of a missed drug test. Olivea appealed the suspension, saying he missed that test because he was receiving treatment for drug-related issues. The NFL decided to take back the suspension, continue testing him and give him the chance to continue with his career.

Prior to the suspension, Olivea was talking to the Giants about a job. Before signing, Olivea will need to work out for the team and pass a physical. Once he passes the physical, Olivea can sign his Giants contract.

Olivea, 26, started 57 of 60 games over four seasons with the Chargers. The 6-foot-4, 312-pound Olivea was a seventh-round choice of the Chargers in 2004.

I like this signing a lot actually. Olivea is a solid right tackle. Looks like Whimper and Koets have a little competition this camp.

This is a very good signing; it will add alot of competition at the offensive line

All of our backups will have pressure to Perform, Olivea could even potentially beat out Seubert at starting LG

I do think that Ruegamer may be the most in trouble for a roster spot though.
Then again, we may decide to take 9 OLinemen if Alford and DeOssie retain the LS duties

from his agent..

“Shane is looking forward to going back home and jump-starting his career with the world champions,” said Olivea’s agent.

Olivea is a 4 year starter for the chargers and is just 26.

It sounds to me that Olivea has his head on straight and is prepared to work hard to get his career on track.

The fact that he chose Tom Coughlin's team shows that he is very willing to roll up his sleeves and do the hard work required; and also accept a more disciplined approach to his career. Olivea knows that there is no easy path with Coughlin's team.

At the Giants Olivea knows we have the same offensive line that won the superbowl, and that all the incumbent starters are signed long term. He is going to have to fight really hard for playing time. He is obviously very willing to take up the challenge here.

I like this guys attitude alot, he could easily have found another team where he had it easier or had a much easier chance of getting on the field. But instead he picked a team where nothing is guranteed (in fact if anything it is an uphill battle) and he has plenty of hard work ahead of him to earn whatever he gets. On the other hand, he also knows that the opportunity is there if he works really hard and performs well.

On the other hand, all the starters know that Olivea will be competing very hard for playing time and they will need to work hard and perform to keep their starting spot.

All in all, it bodes very well for the Giants offensive line in 2008.

Big_Pete wrote:This is a very good signing; it will add alot of competition at the offensive line

All of our backups will have pressure to Perform, Olivea could even potentially beat out Seubert at starting LG

I do think that Ruegamer may be the most in trouble for a roster spot though.
Then again, we may decide to take 9 OLinemen if Alford and DeOssie retain the LS duties

Reugamer is a valuable backup because he can play both G and C. Olivea has no time at LG as far as I'm aware of but I guess I could see us trying him there to increase his value to us.

1. O'Hara
2. Snee
3. Diehl
4. McKenzie
5. Seubert
6. Ruegamer
7. Whimper
8. Olivea
9. Boothe

If we take 10 its Koets who makes it.