The New York Giants went into the offseason knowing they had to make some changes on their 25th ranked defense.
General manager Dave Gettleman used his free agent money and seven of his 10 draft picks in an attempt to revamp and revive a group that simply allowed way too many easy scores to opponents in 2019.
Here is a quick rundown on each unit as training camp begins
Defensive line
Gained: Austin Johnson
Lost: Olsen Pierre
The Giants’ big move was made last October when they traded two draft choices to the Jets for Leonard Williams, an impending free agent. They could not come to an agreement this offseason, so they applied the franchise tag to retain Williams at a price of $16.1 million. He’ll be a starter along with Dalvin Tomlinson and Dexter Lawrence. B.J. Hill, R.J McIntosh and Chris Slayton are returning as well. Johnson will provide some veteran depth.
Verdict: Slight upgrade
Linebacker
Gained: Blake Martinez, Kyler Fackrell, Cam Brown, Carter Coughlin, T.J Brunson, Tae Crowder
Lost: Alec Ogletree, Kareem Martin, Deone Bucannon
Markus Golden would have been the biggest loss for this unit, but since he had no takers in free agency, his rights revert back to the Giants. He’ll rejoin Lorenzo Carter, Oshane Ximines along with Fackrell to create an interesting set of outside rushers. Martinez is a bona fide inside presence. He’ll make a huge difference in this defense. The rookies, Brown, Coughlin, Brunson and Crowder could all be surprises.
Verdict: Large upgrade
Cornerback
Gained: James Bradberry, Darnay Holmes, Chris Williamson, Shakial Taylor
Lost: DeAndre Baker (commissioner’s exempt list), Janoris Jenkins, Antonio Hamilton
Bradberry replaces Jenkins, who was traded during the season last year, as the team’s No. 1 corner. The other side is wide open if Baker cannot begin the season due to his legal troubles. Sam Beal, Corey Ballantine, Holmes, Williamson and others will get a shot at the role. In the slot, Holmes will likely be the main competition for Grant Haley. There’s too many ‘ifs’ right now to get excited about this group.
Verdict: Level
Safety
Gained: Xavier McKinney, Nate Ebner, Dravon Askew-Henry, Jaquarius Landrews
Lost: Antoine Bethea, Michael Thomas,
The Giants would ideally love to see the rookie, McKinney, come right in and start alongside Jabrill Peppers, but he might have to wait a few games. In the interim, Julian Love will likely get the nod. They are still high on Sean Chandler, so they go at least four deep here. Askew-Henry, who played for the Guardians in the XFL last year, could end up being a nice pickup.
Verdict: Upgrade
