Oct 5, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (95) is congratulated by New York Giants defensive end Damontre Moore (98) and teammates after sacking Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) during the second half at MetLife Stadium. The New York Giants defeated the Atlanta Falcons 30-20.Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
1. Jonathan Hankins
I wrote about Hankins last month because I didn’t realize how good of a 2014 season this guy had. He stepped right in for now-Viking Linval Joseph and was a stellar pass rusher. In fact, he’s the first Giant to generate 7+ sacks from the defensive tackle position since Keith Hamilton in 2000, and is just the third Giants defensive tackle to do so since 1985 (excluding Justin Tuck in 2007, who had 10 sacks, but played all along the d-line).
Yes, Hankins has room to improve against the run, but I think part of the Giants’ struggles against the run last year didn’t so much come from Hankins, but more so stemmed from Jon Beason’s injury and limited depth at linebacker.
Spags loved sticking his versatile and talented d-ends at the tackle position on third down from 2007-09. But I hope Hankins is one of Spags’ three-down players this season–his presence can only help the pass rush.
Next: Damontre Moore