Welcome to The NFL: Miami Hurricanes' Ereck Flowers Selected by New York Giants 9th Overall

For the first time since Kenny Phillips in 2008, the University of Miami had a player selected in the 1st round of the NFL Draft.

Massive and talented offensive tackle Ereck Flowers was selected by New York Giants with the 9th overall pick.

The former Norland H.S. star has the strength (NFL Combine best 37 reps in the bench press), toughness, and agility to be a Pro Bowl LT.

But he will need to clean up his technique some to reach his massive potential, and could start his career as a RT.

In NY he will protect Eli Manning's backside and be an immediate upgrade on Will Beatty.

He will also make the Giants running game much, much better in 2015.

Flowers was a 3 year starter at UM and a 2nd Team All ACC performer in 2014.

What did the experts say about Flowers leading up to the draft?

"He is just a mauler, I love the way he plays with intensity. He is rugged and he finishes."  Mel Kiper Jr. on Ereck Flowers.

"He's powerful, creates movement. Had a good solid 40, has pretty good feet, slides well." - Mike Mayock on @CanesFootball OT Ereck Flowers

— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) February 20, 2015

Need more evidence of his prowess?   (By the way he played this game coming off just a 2 week lay off after tearing his meniscus).

Welcome to the NFL, Ereck!  Good Luck!