The New York Giants were in prime position to select a top defensive stud such as Kentucky edge rusher Josh Allen in this year’s NFL Draft with the sixth overall pick, but opted to take Duke quarterback Daniel Jones instead.
How did that decision go over with defensive coordinator James Bettcher?
“Any pick as they come, you don’t sit there and say, ‘I know I’m not getting this guy and I’m getting this guy.’ But you know the conversations you had, so, you’re good with it because you had an opportunity to have the conversation. That’s what’s good about here,” he said.
Instead, Bettcher got quantity as well as quality. The Giants went defense with seven of their 10 draft picks.
Dexter Lawrence will be a force on the defensive front and Deandre Baker is widely considered the top cover corner in this draft. Bettcher knows he will have more to work with this year than he did a year ago.
Also arriving via the draft are pass rusher Oshane Ximines, linebacker Ryan Connelly, defensive backs Julian Love and Corey Ballentine, and defensive lineman Chris Slayton.
Free agency also brought in several players, including three that played under Bettcher with the Arizona Cardinals, namely Pro Bowl safety Antoine Bethea.
They also added defensive lineman Olsen Pierre and outside linebacker Markus Golden.
There is a renewed optimism around the facility these days, especially when it comes to expectations and attitude.
“Our guys have been outstanding so far this offseason,” said Bettcher. “I have a lot of excitement when I come in because of how hard these guys are working.”
