NY Giants defensive line depth chart
DL starters-Leonard Williams\Dexter Lawrence\Justin Ellis
DL reserves-DJ Davidson, Nick Williams, Chris Hinton, David Moa
Leonard Williams may be the best player on the Giants roster, and, along with Lawrence and Ellis, will be the starting defensive linemen in Wink Martindale’s 3-4 defense, forming a formidable front. Davidson, a rookie nose tackle out of Arizona State, could push Ellis for playing time. Nick Williams, who started all 17 games for the Lions a season ago, could push his way onto the roster as a capable backup.
NY Giants linebackers depth chart
OLB starters-Kayvon Thibodeaux, Azeez Ojulari
OLB reserves-Elerson Smith, Jihad Ward, Quincy Roche, Oshane Ximines, Niko Lalos
There will be no battle as to who the two outside linebackers will be to start the season as Thibodeaux and Ojulari have those on lock. Those two could form the most formidable pass rush the Giants have seen since Justin Tuck and Jason Pierre-Paul. Elerson Smith, the fourth round pick of 2021, is finally healthy and could impress the coaching staff with his speed. Jihad Ward could spend time on the field this season, as he is a veteran with experience playing for Martindale in Baltimore. Ximines, a 2019 third round pick, will likely see his disappointing Giants career come to end in camp, unless he can show immense improvement. Watch out for Roche to wow the coaching staff.
ILB starters-Blake Martinez, Tae Crowder
ILB reserves-Micah McFadden, Darrian Beavers, Cam Brown, Carter Coughlin, Justin Hillard
Blake Martinez is back, after missing the last 14.5 games a season ago with a torn ACL. His return is huge as he will likely be the defensive signal caller in 2022. His starting inside linebacker partner will be determined in camp, in a battle between the veteran Crowder, and rookies McFadden and Beavers. Watch out for McFadden to steal this job from the incumbent Crowder. Brown’s special teams acumen will be loved by the new coaching staff.