New York Giants: Biggest Offseason Priorities

Sep 20, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Tevin Coleman (26) runs by New York Giants outside linebacker Mark Herzlich (94) and New York Giants middle linebacker Uani

Middle Linebacker

Safety is probably the position that needs the greatest talent infusion. But the Giants defense doesn’t just need safety talent: they need a facelift. And I don’t think their performance this season would have drastically improved if they had even excellent safety play.

And that all starts with changing who’s quarterbacking the eleven guys on the field. I like Jon Beason and even Uani Unga’s upside, but they aren’t the dominant forces in the middle that so many great defenses have. From Bobby Wagner in Seattle and Luke Kuechly in Carolina, a truly dominant middle linebacker could change the physicality, energy, and overall performance of a team. When Beason was traded to the Giants two seasons ago—and was healthy—their defense improved significantly, and he was there for just a little over have a season.

Now, Bobby Wagner’s and Luke Kuechly’s don’t grow on trees. So I don’t necessarily expect the Giants to go out and find the foundation of their defense in one player (though that would be ideal). But I do think the Giants can find a sturdier, solid presence in the middle of their defense.

Next: Offensive Tackle