5 bold predictions for the NY Giants defense in 2023
By Zak Musso
4. The Giants run-defense finishes in the top half in yards allowed
The Giants interior defensive line had a ton of talent in 2022, but zero depth. When Dexter Lawrence or Leonard Williams came off the field, opponents ran the ball down their backups throats. The Giants gave up the sixth most rushing yards per game last fall. This upcoming fall, the Giants defense will flip the switch and become an above-average unit in stopping the run.
After Williams and Lawrence on the depth chart this season will be veterans Rakeem Nunez-Roches and A'Shawn Robinson. Both players are veterans who were signed this spring to bolster the interior defensive line depth, something Giants GM Joe Schoen mentioned was needed.
Both Nunez-Roches and Robinson excel in run prevention. Behind them, the Giants plugged the biggest hole on the roster, inside linebacker, by signing Bobby Okereke to a four-year, $40 million contract.
Okereke was ranked by PFF as the 22nd best linebacker in football last fall, which represents a big upgrade from Jaylon Smith (ranked 60th) and Micah McFadden (ranked 77th). Okereke will be able to make phyiscal plays at the line of scrimmage Giants linebackers were unable to make last fall.