The New York Giants are gearing up for a pivotal 2024 season, aiming to enhance their offensive production significantly. The team plans to transform its offensive approach under the leadership of Head Coach Brian Daboll, who is expected to assume play-calling duties.
With the acquisition of receiver Malik Nabers, the Giants are moving away from their traditional reliance on running back Saquon Barkley as the focal point of their offense. Instead, they will focus on distributing the ball more through the air and ensuring consistent performance from the offensive line.
Giants Defensive Players Poised for All-Pro Recognition
While the offensive line remains a work in progress, the Giants’ defense boasts several standout players who could potentially make the All-Pro team in the upcoming season, thanks to strategic moves and key signings by General Manager Joe Schoen.
1. Dexter Lawrence
Dexter Lawrence, one of the elite defensive linemen in the NFL, secured a four-year, $87.5 million extension, which includes $60 million guaranteed.
This strategic financial decision by Schoen could save the Giants money in the long run, as Lawrence’s market value could have increased significantly by next year.
Last season, Lawrence registered 65 pressures, six sacks, and 37 tackles. With the retirement of Aaron Donald, Lawrence is well-positioned to claim the title of the league’s top defensive lineman and secure All-Pro status if he replicates his performance and stays healthy.
2. Brian Burns
The Giants made a significant trade to acquire Brian Burns, sending away their top second-round pick and a mid-round selection in exchange for one of the league’s most formidable pass rushers.
Burns signed a five-year, $141 million deal with the Giants, which includes $87.5 million guaranteed. Despite concerns about his run defense, Burns’s impact as a pass rusher is undeniable. Last season, he amassed 68 pressures and 13 sacks over 951 snaps. His dynamic presence is expected to alleviate some of the pressure on fellow pass rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux and potentially earn him All-Pro honors.
3. Andrew Thomas
Another contract general manager Joe Shane got ahead of was Andrew Thomas’s, who signed a five-year, $117.5 million deal, including $67 million fully guaranteed at signing.
As long as Thomas stays healthy, he’s as good as any left tackle in the game. The 25-year-old only played 576 snaps last year after suffering a hamstring injury in Week 1 against Dallas. He gave up 17 pressures and four sacks, but it was obvious he wasn’t fully fit. In 2022, Thomas played 1,173 snaps, allowing only four sacks and 23 pressures, more than good enough to earn a Pro-Bowl appearance, let alone All-Pro.
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With some of the top tackles in football aging, Thomas has something to prove, coming off an inconsistent season and entering year one of his new extension.