For the New York Giants, Damon “Snacks” Harrison provides ample run support in the trenches, but as for the linebacking corps, it’s yet to be proven that they can pull their weight in the newly transitioned 3-4 defense.
Defensive coordinator James Bettcher brings the 3-4 scheme from the Arizona Cardinals, where he helped Chandlar Jones rack up a league-best 17 sacks in 2017. He will help the Giants make those same strides, specifically with Olivier Vernon as an outside linebacker. But the heart of the 3-4 defense isn’t the linebacker corps, but rather the defensive line that allows them to succeed. The Giants worked diligently to strengthen that unit, and they have done so with several high-quality draft picks and signings.
Of course, Harrison remains the focal point of the defense line for Big Blue, clogging the middle with a burst of strength and undrafted passion. Beside him, rising sophomore Dalvin Tomlinson effectively holds down his left side, as he proved his worth in the NFL in only his rookie season.
Tomlinson was taken in the second-round of the 2017 draft, which turned out to be a stellar selection. He started in every game at the tackle position, managing 50 tackles and one sack. This earned him a spot on PFWA’s (Pro Football Writers of America) All-Rookie Team.
The best rookie interior defender in 2017?
That'd be #Giants 2nd-rounder Dalvin Tomlinson.@DalvinTomlinson led rookie interior defenders with 26 Defensive Stops. ?? pic.twitter.com/OtG57yXRcr
— PFF NY Giants (@PFF_Giants) June 17, 2018
Who else did will feature on the defensive line for the Giants?
In the third-round of this years draft, the Giants and GM Dave Gettleman selected North Carolina State DT B.J. Hill. While Hill was overshadowed by Bradley Chubb who was selected by the Denver Broncos at No. 5, his value is exponentially high for a team looking to add solid interior lineman.
The purpose of a 3-4 defense is to put three strong down lineman in the trenches to take up as much space and garner as much attention as possible. This allows the linebackers to shoot the gaps and put pressure on the quarterback, and/or sit back in coverage and play as a QB spy.
Hill offers a big-frame with impressive quickness off the line, which will bode well for a Bettcher defense that’s built on blitzing. His primary weakness is his strength at the point of attack, but with NFL trainers at his disposal and Harrison to teach him the ropes, there’s no doubt he can further develop that aspect of his game.
What about depth?
As for depth, the Giants drafted RJ McIntosh in the fifth round to provide the defensive line with aid in case of injury. They also signed Josh Mauro who will return in week five after being suspended four weeks for breaching the performance enhancing drugs rule. Not to fret, Mauro apparently took an over-the-counter substance that had a banned substance in which he was unaware.
The Giants also have former Redskin A.J. Francis and returning player Robert Thomas. Both offer value as reserve lineman but will not earn starting jobs on a strong line.
Overall, the defensive line offers the most reason for excitement ahead of the 2018 season, and hopefully their success will enable the linebackers to get off to a good start – especially recent acquisition Alec Ogletree.