5 Reasons NY Giants will have a strong defense in 2021, despite youth

The NY Giants defense made strides in 2020, but despite youth at all three levels has a chance to make a leap in 2021

In Patrick Graham’s inaugural season as NY Giants’ defensive coordinator, he shattered all expectations.

He took the Giants‘ defense from a joke, to a formidable unit.

Graham opened up the eyes of everyone sleeping on his abilities throughout the league – forcing them to take notice by shutting down the likes of Sean McVay and Russell Wilson.

Instead of parlaying his tremendous coaching job into a head coaching position, Graham opted to return to his ‘dream job’ for a second season. Now, the sequel writes itself – can he rally a group of young, hungry defenders into one of the league’s strongest units?

Even with the unit bursting with youth at key positions, it’s possible. NY Giants general manager Dave Gettleman did a fantastic job acquiring pieces for Graham’s beautiful mind – it’s easy to see why fans should be excited to see it all come together.

Here are 5 reasons why the NY Giants will have a strong defense in 2021, despite youth:

Fantastic Depth

The NY Giants’ front office may have made plenty of splash moves this off-season, but they filled in the cracks with solid, reliable players.

Adoree’ Jackson and Azeez Ojulari will be counted on from day one, but players like Ifeadi Odenigbo, Reggie Ragland, Elerson Smith and Ryan Anderson provide the team with valuable depth pieces. It’s a welcome shift from past seasons – where the front office neglected to fill out the roster with quality talent.

Graham’s defense was gutted last season at key positions – like defensive back and edge rusher. In close games against savvy offensive coordinators, the team’s lack of depth contributed greatly to their losses.

That won’t be the story in 2021 – the Giants will be able to handle the rigors of a 17-game season with their newfound depth.