The New York Giants released their first unofficial depth chart of the offseason on Tuesday before Thursday’s preseason matchup against the Jets.
The team is filled with talented youth, and while they might struggle in 2019, there’s hope for the future. The defensive line is one of the more exciting position groups on the team, as Dalvin Tomlinson, B.J. Hill and Dexter Lawrence man the trenches.
Tomlinson is the veteran of the group going into his third season. He’s expected to finally reach his potential and perform at a high level against the run. He’s not the purest pass-rusher — Lawrence seems to have him beat in that category, but he offers excellent value in other facets.
Hill, who displayed flashes of dominance in his rookie season, is primed for a breakout year after recording 48 combined tackles, 5.5 sacks and eight quarterback hits in 2018. There’s a reason to believe that the front three of a James Bettcher 3-4 defense will be one of the more exciting, up-and-coming units in the league.
New York Giants: Tomlinson believes Hill is on the right track towards success:
“You can just tell B.J. is more comfortable this year just running different games and just playing beside him in the run game. He’s more patient with things, like playing run blocks and things like that. B.J. is playing pretty well this year, too,†Tomlinson told reporters on Monday.
Dexter Lawrence, a 6-foot-4, 345-pound behemoth of a man, is also carrying the weight of success on his shoulders. Dalvin also raved about his insane athleticism for his size.
“It’s super unique, just to be that big and that athletic is amazing to see when you’re playing right beside him,†Tomlinson said of Lawrence. “I’ve never seen anybody near as big move that well.â€
Something the defense seems to have this season is brotherhood and chemistry. With so much youth and inexperience tainting the group, it’s only fair to expect hurdles, but they have come together to tackle them as a collective unit and develop a new atmosphere.
“The brotherhood and camaraderie of the defense we have right now is just crazy. The unity and the energy we bring to the field and coming out of the locker room each and every day,†Tomlinson said.