Since becoming general manager of the New York Giants in 2018, Dave Gettleman has put an emphasis on building up the defensive line. Since 2018, here is what the Giants have invested into their defensive line: a 2018 third-round pick, a 2018 fifth-round pick, a 2019 first-round pick, a 2019 seventh-round pick, a 2020 third-round pick and 2021 fifth-round pick in a trade to acquire Leonard Williams, and a $16.1 million franchise tag on Leonard Williams. Additionally, the Giants already had a 2017 second-round pick invested in Dalvin Tomlinson.
The Giants have invested a considerable amount in their defensive line. But this investment should pay off, as New York has a young core of highly-talented hog mollies to fill the trenches.
The Giants’ longest-tenured defensive lineman is an underrated star, Dalvin Tomlinson. The hog molly out of Alabama has been the most consistent and efficient player on the Giants’ defense since entering the league in 2017. Dalvin has not missed a game in his career, starting in 16 games every season for the past three seasons.
2019 was a career year for Tomlinson. Dalvin Tomlinson recorded 49 combined tackles with 7 tackles for loss. What made Tomlinson’s 2019 season so exciting though was his improvements as a pass-rusher. After failing to record a single sack in 2018, Tomlinson totaled a career-high 3.5 sacks in 2019. Dalvin Also totaled 13 pressures in 2019, 5 more than he did in 2018.
There is a reason to believe that Dalvin Tomlinson will improve further in 2020. When asked about new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham’s scheme, Tomlinson expressed excitement:
The scheme is fun. It reminds me of the Alabama defense and the Alabama days and the techniques I used to use and stuff like that. Â – Dalvin Tomlinson via Giants.com 8/6/20
The Giants’ second first-round pick in 2019 was an instant-impact starter. Dexter Lawrence, the seventeenth overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, was exceptional as a rookie. The Clemson product stands tall at 6-4 and weighs in at a hefty 340 pounds. And the young man is pretty nimble for his size.
Dexter received the honor of making Pro Football Focus’s 2019 All-Rookie Team. PFF states that Lawrence’s 76.3 run-defense grade ranked 21st among 117 qualifying interior defenders last season.
Big Sexy Dexy is a dominant run-defender, but he also made an impact as a pass-rusher. Lawrence logged 2.5 sacks, 9 quarterback hits, and 15 pressures this season. Additionally, his massive stature commands double-team blocks, freeing up pass-rush opportunities for other Giants defenders. Dexter Lawrence is an exciting young player to keep an eye on heading into 2020.
He is probably the most polarizing player on the Giants, but Leonard Williams is also one of the best players on the roster. Dave Gettleman traded for Williams midway through the 2019 season, giving up a 2020 third-round pick and a 2021 fifth-round pick to acquire him. Williams was solid in eight games with the Giants, but his performance did leave a little to be desired.
Leonard Williams was an active pass-rusher with the Gmen in 2019. He totaled 17 pressures in 8 games with the Giants, but he only earned 0.5 sack. Fans expected more from a player that cost the team two draft picks.
After the season, the Giants and Williams were unable to come to an agreement on a long-term deal. New York placed the franchise tag on Williams, which he will play on in 2020 before negotiating a new deal next offseason. Leonard said he is not disappointed that there was no deal agreed upon, he is simply “looking at it as an opportunity.â€
Just like Dalvin Tomlinson, Leonard Williams has also expressed excitement for the Giants’ new defensive scheme. Leonard Williams referred to new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham as a “genius.†Williams said he loves the new scheme and that he loves working with the team’s new defensive line coach, Sean Spencer.
The New York Giants have a trio of young, talented defensive linemen on their roster. They also have a brand new and improved coaching staff that the players are excited to play in. This season, the Giants could see their defensive line dominate the competition.
This post was published on 2020-08-09 19:05
