EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- After a rough first two seasons with the New York Giants, left tackle Ereck Flowers decided to change his offseason routine. He remained in New Jersey, working out at the team facility most of the offseason, altered his diet and worked more purposefully than ever before.

Flowers called it the “smartest” he has been in the offseason. That includes everything from his diet to what he targeted in the gym. It has resulted in a leaner and, hopefully, improved player and athlete.

“I feel good,” Flowers said after completing his third minicamp since being taken by the Giants in the first round in 2015. “I feel better. A little quicker.”

Ereck Flowers spent his offseason working at the team facility for the first time, and it seems to have paid off. Mark Alberti/Icon Sportswire

The Giants have sold the third-year tackle hard this offseason. They’ve noted his weight loss -- which Flowers conceded, though he wouldn’t say how much -- and improved commitment.

Coach Ben McAdoo, offensive line coach Mike Solari, offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan, general manager Jerry Reese, tackle Bobby Hart and guard Justin Pugh are just some of those who have publicly lauded Flowers for his offseason work. They think it has a chance to pay off on the field.

“We’ve seen Ereck make progress. We need to continue with that progress,” said McAdoo, who added that they still need to see its effect when they put on pads this summer at training camp.

Flowers agreed with that assessment. He sees the progress but knows it needs to be shown in full-contact and full-speed environments to be verified.

“I’ve gotten better, but then again, we’re not in pads,” he said.

Flowers believes the hard work on his sets and in the gym have paid off. He also sees improvement with his hand placement and footwork.

It was noticeable to him and his coaches at OTAs and minicamp.

“It feels better,” Flowers said. “[My footwork] feels a little light.”

Flowers claims to be critical of himself and his play from the past two years, even though he said he doesn't have any regrets about anything on or off the field last season. He knows there is room for improvement.

Pro Football Focus had him pegged for 59 pressures allowed (second most among tackles) last season. His 47 hurries allowed were the third most among all linemen.

“I see different things with my technique that I have to improve on,” Flowers said. “Just continue to go out there and work. That’s all I’m thinking about.”

Most of his offseason was spent working alongside Hart in New Jersey. The two young tackles used friendly competition on a daily basis to drive them. Flowers even tried some boxing after seeing other players do it in recent years. He's hoping it can help improve his hand quickness, hand placement and punch.

The Giants are hoping it all pays off. They need more out of Hart and Flowers this season if they’re going to improve offensively. The Giants struggled to score points last season, and they added some significant weapons this offseason. Their offensive line -- and tackles in particular -- are believed to be the biggest question mark heading into this season.

Growth from Flowers would provide the offense with a significant boost. He is confident the best is yet to come in his third professional season.

“I believe that,” Flowers said.

With their lack of additions to the line this offseason, the Giants are banking on it to happen.