Good Morning, New York Giants Fans!
One of the weakest positions on the New York Giants’ defense is at linebacker, a spot that was neglected for years by Jerry Reese and hasn’t seen much growth in the Dave Gettleman Era.
However, it seems as if Gettleman is finally ready to invest a bit more into the inside linebacker position, where the only serviceable player is Ryan Connelly. Mind you, Connelly missed almost all of the 2019 season with a torn ACL, after sustaining the injury in week four against the Washington Redskins.
Connelly climbed the ranks as a rookie quickly, overtaking Alec Ogletree for the top spot at linebacker, and he’s expected to make a full recovery and emerge as a starter in 2020. There’s still a void, though, and that’s where two potential free-agent options come into play.
Here are two linebackers who the Giants should look into during FA:
1.) Cory Littleton
The four-year veteran had a stellar season with the Los Angeles Rams this season, amassing 134 combined tackles (second consecutive year with over 120), 3.5 sacks, nine passes defended, and two forced fumbles. He’s one of the staples of the Rams’ defense and would fit in nicely alongside Connelly, who’s versed in shooting gaps and covering tight ends.
According to PFF, Littleton ranked in the top 10 in almost every essential category for linebackers – solo assists (9th), assists (8th), INTs (6th), and forced fumbles (8th). Expect the New York Giants to give him a long, hard look in free agency.
2.) Kyle Van Noy
Investing in New England Patriot’s players is always a big “if,” just ask Nate Solder, who’s been a bust ever since signing a record-breaking deal to play left tackle for the Giants. However, Van Noy is a special talent who serves multiple purposes out of the linebacker position.
This season, he has earned 56 combines tackles, 6.5 sacks, three passes defended, and three forced fumbles. His ability to rush the passer (14 QB Hits), while also being a solid run-stopper is impressive, making him another solid target for Big Blue. He might be a bit cheaper than Littleton, due to age/wear and tear, buy the value he brings to a young team might be worth the risk.
Nonetheless–
Your top news of the day:
Ryan Dunleavy – Kris Richard first candidate to interview for Giants’ coaching job
Cay North – New York Giants: Patriots OC Josh McDaniels Joins Coaching Candidates
Albert Breer – Dave Gettleman Gets a Wake-Up Call
Garrett Stepien – Chiefs’ Andy Reid endorses Giants candidate Eric Bieniemy: ‘I think he’d be tremendous’