Dalvin Tomlinson Looking To Break Out For The Giants In 2018

New York Giants, Dalvin Tomlinson
Dec 24, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; New York Giants defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

A 3-13 record would stifle even the most extravagant efforts from any player, and that’s exactly what happened to New York Giants‘ 2017 second-round pick, Dalvin Tomlinson.

The big defensive tackle played well in his rookie season, leading all rookie interior defenders with 26 stops. He finished the campaign with 50 combined tackles and one sack. The Giants are making the transition to a 3-4 defense from the 4-3, which will put a lot of pressure on Tomlinson to take up a lot of space and open up gaps for the linebackers.

The hope is that Tomlinson only scratched the surface of his potential in 2017 and will deliver a bountiful amount of raw talent and development for a rejuvenated Giants team. His numbers don’t justify his quality and ability in the trenches. He’s a menace in the run game and is always around the ball. With a lack of support from the linebackers in ’17, he was left to fend for himself in the trenches and try to take on multiple offensive lineman on his own.

Tomlinson told NJ advanced Media, in regard to the change to the 3-4:

“It feels like the old defense I’m already a part of. We’re shooting more gaps and it’s more attacking, more going after it rather than waiting and seeing what’s given to you. I love the scheme. It reminds me of Alabama’s scheme. You can say you have less responsibilities, but a little more at the same time.”

James Bettcher will bring over a defense that recorded some of the highest blitz rates in the NFL – significantly higher than old DC, Steve Spagnuolo.

“You have to go back and break down the film of how you were playing at the end of the season. So you can pick up at that point and progress. Get stronger, quicker, so you can be more versatile. Be more explosive off the ball. Continue to build in any way possible.”

Having a solid defensive line to build around is essential for the new system. General manager Dave Gettleman has made it a priority to address the trenches and ensure that the defense is strong up-front to put pressure on the quarterback and allow the secondary time to make plays. Creating opportunity it the primary point, and Tomlinson is just the guy to take the Giants’ defensive line to the next level.