How Deep Are The New York Giants On The Defensive Front?

Dec 17, 2017; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles (9) is hit after the throw by New York Giants defensive end Olivier Vernon (54) in the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

After reports emerged that New York Giants‘ outside linebacker Olivier Vernon suffered a potentially serious ankle injury, fans and analysts alike began to consider the fact that he could miss serious time. Luckily, it’s thought to be just a lower ankle bruise, which has calmed the storms of disaster.

Despite the avoidance of a massive injury, it’s important to break down the depth of the defensive line and linebacker corps before jumping into the water well.

Can the New York Giants survive a serious injury on the defensive front?

If Vernon were to go down, who would replace him? And would they be able to maintain his success? The answer is simply no, but there are several options on the roster than can play at an above average level. One of them is Connor Barwin, who just three years ago had 14.5 sacks. Since then, he’s been a menace as a rotational piece.

Additionally, rookie Lorenzo Carter offers value as a backup, as he was a fantastic pass-rusher with the Georgia Bulldogs last season. His abilities in the run-game also turn a few heads.

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With Vernon making the transition to the 3-4 defense, he’s set to play a big role on a heavy blitzing James Bettcher defense. Bettcher helped Chandler Jones amass 17 total sacks in 2017 and is looking to do the same with Vernon.

The Giants’ top pass-rusher has been a stud in regard to pressures and total tackles, but he simply hasn’t been able to rack up the sacks. Starting from a standing position on the outside of the left tackle should give him the momentum and opening to attack the quarterback one-on-one. The 4-3 defense relies on the defensive tackles to take up space in the middle so that the linebacker can’t expose the gaps and wreck havoc in the backfield.

A player of Vernon’s caliber often excels in this scheme, and having a player like Barwin to help him make the transition only benefits his cause. The depth on the line might be deep, but there’s no replacing a player that has managed over 40 tackles in three of six seasons.

Additional Depth:

-RJ McIntosh

-Josh Mauro (Good rotational piece)

-Kareem Martin (Can fill roll if need be. Average player.)

-Kerry Wynn (Strong preseason, has potential for more)

-Ray-Ray Armstrong (Great in coverage, helps balance out the middle linebackers)

-Avery Moss (Still developing, has potential)

-Calvin Munson (Last choice linebacker, has issues in coverage but is decent in run-support)