2) Defensive line
This has been the NY Giants’ bread and butter for the past several seasons.
Even after Dalvin Tomlinson’s departure to the Minnesota Vikings, via free agency, there’s little reason to doubt the defensive line won’t be among the NY Giants’ strengths again this season.
Leonard Williams faces much pressure to repeat his success of 2020, producing a career-high 11.5 sacks, after signing a four-year mega-contract this offseason. But, Williams really seemed to hit his stride under defensive coordinator Patrick Graham and line coach Sean Spencer.
"“I’m hoping that wasn’t his best year,” Graham told reporters during the Giants‘ mandatory minicamp. “And I hope next year is his best year and I hope the year after that is his best year. He definitely understands he has stuff to work on and he’s eager to work on it. I couldn’t be more excited to see how he performs.”"
In addition to Williams, opposing offensive lines will need to deal with Dexter Lawrence.
At 342 pounds, Lawrence is as explosive and athletic as they come for a player of his size. Improved depth at secondary, and if Williams continues to ascend, Lawrence has the chance to be an even more disruptive interior pass-rush presence in 2021 and beyond.
Austin Johnson and Danny Shelton both have the potential to push for a starting job, and provide quality depth. Rookie Elerson Smith is a bit of a wild card.