NY Giants’ linebackers are underrated in 2021 and could surprise
The NY Giants could field a nice linebacker corps this year. Here’s why.
The NY Giants have had some issues at linebacker for the better part of the 2010s decade.
However, the Giants are set with a variety of young and veteran options off the EFGE and on the inside, entering the 2021 season and beyond.
The NY Giants have made drafting linebackers a priority in recent seasons. The team has found a few diamonds in the rough with later-round picks such as Tae Crowder, Cam Brown, and Carter Coughlin. They are now set to welcome two more 2021 mid-round picks in Azeez Ojulari and Elerson Smith.
New York also added more linebackers in free agency.
Blake Martinez was a godsend for the Giants in 2020 and they’ve now added a quality depth ‘backer in Reggie Ragland. Both guys can lead the defense and command the front seven from the second level of the field.
For the first time in a while, there are no major weaknesses, concerns, or obvious openings at any linebacker position. The NY Giants are stocked with choices from rookies to second-year players, 3rd/4th-year guys coming off injuries in Oshane Ximines and Lorenzo Carter, and two veteran EDGE presences in Ryan Anderson and Ifeadi Odenigbo.
This won’t be the 80s ‘Crunch Bunch’ with Lawrence Taylor, Harry Carson, Brad Van Pelt, and Brian Kelley, but they should be plenty serviceable enough.
If the NY Giants can get consistent returns from their linebackers in stopping the run, rushing the passer, and defending the pass, their defense could truly be spectacular in 2021.