Breaking down the NY Giants depth after the 53-man roster was finalized

Defensive Line

Starters – Leonard Williams, Dexter Lawrence
Backups – Nick Williams, Justin Ellis, DJ Davidson

The Giants are likely to play a lot of two-DL sets, so Dexter Lawrence and Leonard Williams, the two anchors of the defense, are going to be the only two starters. Nick Williams, who played solid football in training camp and started 17 games for the Detroit Lions in 2021, will back up Lawrence and Williams. When the Giants put three defensive linemen on the field, either Davidson or Ellis will be the nose tackle. The Giants’ defensive line position is in pretty good shape.

Outside Linebackers

Starters – Kayvon Thibodeaux, Azeez Ojulari
Backups – Jihad Ward, Oshane Ximines, Tomon Fox

Kayvon Thibodeaux and Azeez Ojulari are a fantastic young duo who could dominate opposing offenses for the next decade. Jihad Ward is third in the outside linebacker pecking order, and will likely start if Thibodeaux or Ojulari are not healthy enough to play in the season opener. Ximines, who was left for dead when training camp began, impressed the new regime to somehow stick around for a fourth season in blue. Tomon Fox was the most surprising addition to the 53-man roster, but he is a speedy linebacker who is a big hitter, and his game-ending forced fumble in Week 2 of the preseason against Cincinnati went viral. The outside linebacker position is in pretty good shape entering the season.

Inside Linebackers

Starters – Tae Crowder, Austin Calitro
Backups – Micah McFadden, Carter Coughlin, Cam Brown

Blake Martinez’s release has really shaken up this group. Tae Crowder will still start, but his running mate will now likely be 2022 NFL preseason defensive MVP Austin Calitro. Calitro is a journeyman linebacker who has already been on nine teams in his five-year career. Micah McFadden, a rookie fifth-round pick who had a solid training camp, will likely be the first linebacker off the bench, and should play a significant role. Carter Coughlin and Cam Brown will likely not see any reps at inside linebacker this season, but both are special teams superstars, which the new Giants regime seems to really value. This group is not especially strong, and you could argue after the release of Martinez, it is the worst position group on the team.