New York Giants: The 6 Biggest Winners from Free Agency Spending Spree
By Mike Luca
2. Johnathan Hankins, DT
Amid Vernon, Snacks and JPP, lastly is Hankins poking his head through cracks squeaking “I’m here too! I’m here!” removed from an IR-inducing torn pectoral.
All focus and pressure lies on the shoulder pads of the three Giants free agent studs up front. This is in spite of Hankins desperately needing to prove himself during his fourth season in any other context.
Hankins’ lone 16-game campaign in 2014 accounted promisingly for 51 combined tackles, seven sacks, four run stuffs, three pass deflections and a forced fumble. Should he finally stay healthy, he’s regarded as a top-flight talent at defensive tackle with a shortened leash.
Just as the goal is to create potency in the pass rush and at the linebacker level all by barricading opposing running lanes with 670 pounds, the Snacks addition in turn frees up Hankins’ capacity to contribute. Should he succeed, Hankins is the pleasantly unexpected rising star, albeit with the other three linemen being game-planned against. If he fails, it’s hopefully covered up by his surrounding cast; if the entire d-line fails, the blame more likely falls on the bigger names.
It’s a win-win on paper for the Ohio State product, and Harrison capturing headlines with his mouth further pushes Hankins under the radar. Without Louis Nix or Jay Bromley truly threatening any time soon, all he has to do is stay healthy.
Next: THE 'C' SHOULD LAND ON COLLINS