NY Giants 53-man roster prediction after 12-7 loss to Jets

6 of 10

Jets quarterback Zach Wilson (2) throws the ball as offensive guard Greg Van Roten (62) blocks New York Giants linebacker Trent Harris (93) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

NY Giants defensive line (5)

Leonard Williams, Dexter Lawrence, Austin Johnson, B.J. Hill, Danny Shelton

Outside looking in: David Moa, Willie Henry, Elijah Qualls, Raymond Johnson

The NY Giants’ defensive line was the backbone of Patrick Graham’s unit last season, but how New York manages to replace Dalvin Tomlinson, signed by the Minnesota Vikings in free agency, will be critical to this group replicating its prior success.

Williams, fresh off signing a long-term contract extension, must prove that his career-high 11.5 sacks in 2020 wasn’t a fluke, and rather a harbinger of things to come.

The competition to start alongside Williams between Austin Johnson, B.J. Hill, and Dany Shelton has been heated during camp. Shelton has the chance to lock down that job, and saw reps with the first-team defense on Saturday night against the Jets.

Home/NY Giants News