4 NY Giants Players on defense who must rise to the occassion in Week 1
By Reese Nasser
1. DT Leonard Williams
The Giants have built their defensive front around strong young talent. After taking Azeez Ojulari in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft, they then added Kayvon Thibodeaux in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. This pairing of Ojulari and Thibodeaux could eventually become one of the best in the NFL.
On the interior, Dexter Lawrence will be a force yet again. Lawrence is heading into his third NFL season. He has been a reliable player for the Giants, recording 145 total tackles, 14 forced fumbles, nine sacks, and two forced fumbles.
And then there is Leonard Williams. At least for this season, Williams will yet again serve as the primary force of this defensive line. Both Ojulari and Thibodeaux are young and are still developing. But Williams is a seasoned vet.
The 28-year-old defensive tackle is heading into his ninth season in the NFL. And he is coming off of a 2021 season that was one of the best of his career. Leonard is entering his third full season with the Giants. He has appeared in 41 games for them, recording 138 total tackles, 21 tackles for loss, and 18.5 sacks.
With all of the losses that the Giants defense faced during the offseason, Jackson and Williams are the true veterans of the group. A strong outing from Williams in Week 1 will set the tone for this team. Especially if Ojulari and Thibodeaux both miss the game.
