Best players on defense:
1.) Leonard Williams
The most experienced player on the defensive front is Leonard Williams. Dave Gettleman sending a third-round pick over to the New York Jets in return for Williams was easily the most controversial move of the 2019 season. However, Williams improved the line significantly, allowing Dexter Lawrence and Dalvin Tomlinson to utilize their skills appropriately.
In eight games with the Giants, Williams posted 0.5 sacks, 11 quarterback hits, and 26 combine tackles. He is a quality player that will improve with more reps.
Paired up with two other quality defensive lineman, the Giants have the ability to put interior pressure on opposing quarterbacks and collapse the pocket quickly, soaking up double teams and blockers. Williams will be an exponential factor in that goal and represents their top talent on defense.
2.) James Bradberry
Bradberry signed a three-year, $43.5 million deal with the Giants this off-season. The former Carolina panther did not anticipate Gettleman reaching out and offering him a substantial contract, but he was more than happy to accept the deal and bring his talents to New York.
Bradberry has been Carolina’s No. 1 corner for the past few seasons, and he has been extremely efficient coverage. In 2018, he posted a 44.2% completion rate against and just a 5.4% missed tackle rate. The major issue was, he allowed six touchdown receptions.
In 2019, he allowed more passes completed against him, but limited opposing wide receivers to just one touchdown. His 70.1 passer rating allowed was the lowest in his career. If he can put his past two seasons together and limit receivers’ completion percentage, he can be an extremely valuable asset for the Giants.
3.) Xavier McKinney
I was torn between Jabrill peppers and McKinney for the No. 3 spot, but McKinney is too exciting and versatile for me to pass up on. While McKinney was in college last season, he recorded seven turnovers and logged 5.5 sacks amid 95 total tackles. He was excellent for Alabama, moving around the defense and featuring at strong safety and free safety. His ability to move up close to the line of scrimmage and bait quarterbacks was impressive and he has some of the best tackling technique of any prospects entering the NFL.
If he can carry over his talents to the NFL in year one, he can immediately solidify himself as one of the best players on defense.