NY Giants roster: Who’s in, who’s out in the EDGE competition?

The NY Giants roster currently features an intriguing position battle at the EDGE position.

The NY Giants’ strength lies with its defense.

New York is bringing back nearly everyone from their 2020 defense, which was an imposing unit for opposing NFL offenses.

The Giants‘ front office went out and even improved what should be the brunt of this team’s DNA: physical, tough-nosed, gritty football.

The NY Giants signed Adoree’ Jackson, they drafted two more corners to add to the cornerback group, and all four safeties return from last year as well.

On the defensive line, the NY Giants lost Dalvin Tomlinson to the Vikings and signed Danny Shelton. They re-signed Austin Johnson, brought on Ifeadi Odenigbo, and have the returners in Leo Williams, Dex Lawrence, and B.J. Hill.

At the ‘Mike’ and ‘Will’ positions, the NY Giants appear to have a deep and versatile core. Blake Martinez will lead the way alongside 2nd-year players Tae Crowder and Carter Coughlin, and the free agent Reggie Ragland. The group offers a combo of experience and youth that should complement each other well to make formidable depth at the heart of the defense.

The NY Giants’ two spots on the edge of the line of scrimmage have been a problem ever since Jason Pierre-Paul and Olivier Vernon’s departure. This year, the team seems to have healthy competition amongst an intriguing group. There is a variety of skillsets, strengths, and weaknesses that will benefit in the long run.

Here’s a look at the battle taking shape to make the NY Giants roster at the edge roster position:

Roster locks:

Lorenzo Carter, Year 4 with NY Giants

Carter is moving well after a season-ending torn Achilles in 2020.

The NY Giants have seen Carter have another strong Summer where he’s shown an ability to win with his improved athleticism and technique.

Carter had a strong week against the Browns in Cleveland this past week. He routinely got by one of the league’s most-talented and deepest offensive lines in the NFL.

Carter reportedly faced Jedrick Wills numerous times during the week.

"“He lined up at a variety of spots and was very active throughout the day. Lining up as an edge rusher during 1-on-1’s against the Browns offensive line, Carter beat talented second-year left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. on an inside rush. ”"

Giants.com named Carter a standout from practice and he noticeably caught the eye of a legend off the EDGE for New York’s defense in Carl Banks.

https://twitter.com/CarlBanksGIII/status/1428855799686778882

Carter looks to be certain to make the team. He is headed towards reclaiming his starting spot pending injury going into Week 1.

Azeez Ojulari, Year 1 with NY Giants

Ojulari is playing like the player the NY Giants envisioned with the 50th pick in 2021.

Ojulari has been steadily rising during camp, he looks the part of a classic EDGE rusher for the NY Giants. Ojulari didn’t practice or play vs the Browns at the end of the week but he is expected back shortly.

Ojulari made noise when seeing Baker Mayfield and the Browns’ offense while on the field. The All-SEC rookie blew up the goal line with a timely sack. Ojulari should be starting Week 1 and looks to be a key cog in the defense for years to come.

Oshane Ximines, Year 3 with NY Giants

Ximines is looking to find his groove.

Ximines shined in the preseason game against the Browns. He was active all over the field despite only playing 29 snaps.

Ximines showed real potential as a contributing pass-rusher. He may not be an every-down player but he should contribute to this group.