New York Giants: Top 10 players who need to step up in 2018

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ARLINGTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 10: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys is sacked by Olivier Vernon #54 of the New York Giants in the first half of a game at AT&T Stadium on September 10, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

#9 – Olivier Vernon

Of all the players on this list, Olivier Vernon played the best in 2017. But that doesn’t mean the G-Men don’t need him to step up this upcoming season.

The Giants clearly believe Vernon can excel in James Bettcher’s defense. They elected to trade Jason Pierre-Paul this offseason, making Vernon the team’s top pass rusher.

The 27-year-old should be primed for success in Bettcher’s defense. Big Blue’s new defensive coordinator helped Chandler Jones post career numbers in Arizona, and is looking to bring back New York’s once-dominant pass rush.

The Giants will need all their pass rushers to step up this season. Kareem Martin, Lorenzo Carter, and Avery Moss will all likely have significant roles, but Vernon will be critical to New York’s defensive success.

The 6-foot-2, 262-pound edge rusher was unable to build off his breakout 2016 campaign, recording seven sacks and one tackle for a loss in 12 games. In his first season with the Giants, Vernon racked up 8.5 sacks and eight tackles for a loss, earning second-team All-Pro honors.

The Giants are counting on Vernon to have a breakout season. They likely wouldn’t have traded JPP if they didn’t believe he could play at an elite level.

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