Come hell or high water, the New York Giants must add a pass-rusher this offseason in order to cure an ill that has plagued the team for years now. Whether that happens through the NFL Draft or free agency remains to be seen.
Big Blue totaled just 30 sacks in 2018, tied for the second-fewest in the NFL. As it stands now, the G-Men have a decision to make on the team’s current top pass-rusher, Olivier Vernon, who under-performed overall last season, but did finish strong with six sacks in his last five games.
Regardless of what the Giants decide to do with Vernon and his large salary, relying on the veteran alone to step up his game and improve the pass-rush would be a foolish endeavor. That’s especially true when you consider Vernon has missed nine games the past two seasons and isn’t reliable by any stretch.
The 2019 NFL Draft will have plenty of options for the Giants in the first round. If the G-Men don’t fill the void by signing a pass-rusher in free agency, these are some of the players the team can target in the draft.
Josh Allen, LB, Kentucky
If the Giants were to draft Kentucky linebacker Josh Allen, it would be a huge victory for Dave Gettleman and company.
Allen is an elite talent and profiles best in a 3-4 defense, which is a perfect fit for New York. Outside of Ohio State defensive end and consensus No. 1 overall pick Nick Bosa, Allen is considered by many to be the best pass-rusher in this year’s draft. Allen’s combination of speed, length and power puts him in a special class of player.
It’s hard to imagine the 21-year-old sliding past the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at No. 5, though. Ultimately, the Giants will likely have to wheel and deal to move up and nab Allen; however Big Blue has the draft assets to make that happen if the opportunity presents itself.
Jachai Polite, LB, Florida
Florida linebacker Jachai Polite might have the best speed of any pass-rusher in the draft. While he is small at 6-foot-2 and 240 pounds, Polite’s elite speed, exceptional technique and overall physicality more than make up for it. Things may only get better should he bulk up before his rookie campaign, but not doing so won’t make-or-break his career.
While he might not be as effective in the trenches at stopping the run, Polite’s wheels will make him a nightmare for opposing offenses looking to run the ball outside. The 21-year-old has the athleticism and experience to drop into coverage, adding to his versatility as a defender.
It’s doubtful Polite goes in the top 10, so the Giants would be able to move down and still get their pass-rusher.
Brian Burns, DE, Florida State
Despite playing with his hand in the dirt for Florida State, defensive end Brian Burns has the speed and athleticism to play on the outside in the Giants’ 3-4 defense. Not only does Burns have the explosiveness and technique to be a top pass-rusher, he is also one of the smarter defenders in this year’s class and already possesses a high football IQ.
As a polished pass-rusher who knows how to attack offensive lineman, Burns won’t be much of a project. His biggest issue might be adding more weight to his 231-pound frame. Even still, Burns has flashed an ability to keep up with bigger lineman thanks to his strength. Adding to his versatility, Burns is a solid run defender who can set the edge and squeeze through gaps.
Like Polite, Burns will fall outside of the top-10, so trading down would be necessary if the Giants want to take him.
