The New York Giants are building one of the best defensive lines in the NFL. Dave Gettleman has invested plenty of assets into the front line of defense since taking over as general manager in 2018. Gettleman has invested the following into the defensive line: 2018 third-round pick, 2018 seventh-round pick, 2019 first-round pick, 2019 seventh-round pick, 2020 third-round pick, 2021 fifth-round pick, $16.1 million franchise tag.
Granted, this investment has paid off. The Giants have an excellent defensive line and it is the strongest unit on the roster. Interestingly, though, the one defensive lineman that Gettleman did not acquire himself is actually the best on the team: 2017 second-round pick Dalvin Tomlinson.
Dalvin Tomlinson Stats and Highlights
In 2019, third-year defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson had a career-year. Tomlinson saw his stats double upon the arrival of defensive end Leonard Williams. In 2019, Dalvin recorded 49 combined tackles, a career-high 7 tackles for loss, and a career-high 3.5 sacks, 13 pressures, and 7 quarterback hits.
Dalvin Tomlinson has not recorded a single penalty in his entire career. He is a disciplined, reliable defender that makes life difficult for opposing linemen and running backs. Another testament to Tomlinson’s reliability is his missed tackle rate. Dalvin only missed 3 tackles in 2019, a missed tackle rate of only 5.8%. In 2018 he was even more consistent, missing just one tackle (1.7%). On top of that, Tomlinson has never missed a game in his career.
Dalvin Tomlinson’s Contract
Entering his fourth season, the Giants will soon need to make a decision regarding Dalvin Tomlinson’s contract. He was a second-round pick so they do not have a fifth-year option on his contract. The Giants will need to decide whether or not to extend Tomlinson after the 2020 season.
Dalvin Tomlinson has been the most consistent and efficient defender on the Giants for the past three years. He absolutely deserves a contract extension and the Giants cannot afford to let him walk. The Giants might have depth on the defensive line, but Tomlinson is arguably their best defender. At only 26 years-old, Dalvin is someone the Giants should lock in for the long haul.