3.) Linebackers
The linebacker group for the Giants is full of questions. They signed Blake Martinez to take over as their primary MIKE linebacker moving forward, but he is unproven in coverage. He did mention that the Green Bay Packers utilized a strange mesh-zone scheme, which didn’t allow him to play man coverage. That should change with Graham leading the group.
Blake hasn’t missed a game in three seasons and is one of the league’s best tacklers. Last year, he tallied 155 combined tackles, five for a loss, three quarterback hits, and 3.0 sacks. However, he allowed an 83.8% completion rate and two scores.
Aside from Martinez, the Giants also have Ryan Connelly, who is returning from ACL surgery. It is difficult to tell whether he can return to his 2019 form when he recorded two interceptions in the first four games of the season. He has an incredible instinctual ability that allows him to shoot the gap and get into the backfield quickly. If he feels confident on his injured knee, he will likely claim the starting job.
I wouldn’t rule out David Mayo starting the season as the weak-side middle linebacker, though. Giving Connelly as much time as possible to get back on track is essential, and Mayo is the de-facto player to take over in the meantime.