The New York Giants are learning a new defense under first-year head coach Joe Judge, administered by new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham.
Defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson is enthusiastic about the new defense, comparing it to his “Alabama days” (quotes are courtesy of Giants.com’s Dan Salomone)
“I’m super excited about the new defense. I want to help in the run and pass this year.” He says the scheme is “fun” and reminds him of his Alabama days in terms of technique.”
The Giants selected Dalvin Tomlinson with the 55th pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. Last season he totaled 49 combined tackles, three and a half sacks and nine quarterback hits. The Alabama product has started 48 games while totaling 158 combined tackles, four and a half sacks and 10 quarterback hits across his three-year NFL career.
Tomlinson is entering the final year of his rookie deal, making the 2020 season a money year. He’s one of four holdovers from former general manager Jerry Reese’s reign, wide receiver Sterling Shepard, tight end Evan Engram and running back Wayne Gallman being the other three.
The Giants projected starting defensive line features Tomlinson, Leonard Williams, and the second-year Dexter Lawrence.
Tomlinson sees Lawrence getting more “comfortable” at the NFL level in training camp.
“You get used to the NFL. You get a little more comfortable going into Year 2.”
General manager Dave Gettleman selected Lawrence with the 17th pick in the 2019 NFL Draft out of Clemson. He was one of the team’s three first-round draft selections, Duke quarterback Daniel Jones (6) and Georgia cornerback Deandre Baker (30) being the other two.
Lawrence started 16 games in his rookie season, totaling 38 combined tackles, two and a half sacks and nine quarterback hits.
Last season the Giants defense was third in the NFL in points surrendered (451), fifth in penalties (117), eighth in yards surrendered (6,037), 22nd in sacks (36), and tied for 28th in takeaways (16).