3 players the NY Giants must rely on more in 2022
By Reese Nasser
2. DL Leonard Williams
The Giants defensive front is by far the most established area of their defense. With young stars Azeez Ojulari and Kayvon Thibodeaux set to take over in the near future, Leonard Williams may still be the man for one more season.
Whether it be through rookie struggles or taking time to adjust to the speed of the NFL, it’s unfair to expect Thibodeaux to be an immediate threat. While Ojulari looked elite at times throughout his rookie season, he somewhat slowed down near the halfway point. Williams holding down the primary duties up front for one more year doesn’t seem too unrealistic.
Williams isn’t coming off of a career year, but he is still coming off an overall solid 2021 season. He finished the year with 81 total tackles, five tackles for loss, 14 quarterback hits and 6.5 sacks. He also posted a PFF grade of 71.2.
With a defensive front full of playmakers, someone will have to stand out from the bunch. Much of the group is fairly young. Ojulari, Thibodeaux are both younger than 23. Most of the other remaining rushers aren’t much older. As Williams is entering Year 8 and is 28 years old, he is the veteran of the group. His serving as the primary anchor could be a real possibility.