ESPN's pick for where the NY Giants have improved the most is spot on

The NY Giants have made multiple improvements across the board this offseason. Most notably, the offensive line, wide receivers room, and edge-rushing unit have all received massive upgrades in hopes of another playoff push in 2024.

In an article recently published by ESPN, the Giants placed 28th in their new power rankings. While this may be a little too low, they did get one thing right. In addition to ranking each team, ESPN also listed their biggest area of improvement. In the case of the Giants, they couldn't have hit the nail on the head any better.

ESPN lists edge-rusher as the NY Giants' biggest area of improvement

The Giants have been devout of a standout edge-rusher since Jason Pierre-Paul was traded to the Buccaneers back in 2018. While they've since added some nice all-around pass-rushing in the form of Dexter Lawrence, the outside has been lacking for years now. However, the acquisition of Brian Burns looks to change that.

"The Giants essentially subbed in Brian Burns for Jihad Ward, which instantly improved the unit. Burns, acquired via trade from the Carolina Panthers, ranked seventh with a 21.6% pass rush win rate in 2023. Ward, on the other hand, had a 2.3% PRWR, the second lowest of any qualifying edge rusher."

- Jordan Raanan

Burns, alongside Kayvon Thibodeaux, looks to be potentially one of the best pass-rushing duos in the NFL. Thibodeaux has had a good first two years in the NFL, but has struggled mightily with consistency. He's racked up 15.5 sacks through two seasons, yet last season, had a pass rush win rate of just 6.4 percent.

Playing alongside Burns could very well unlock the superstar potential we all know Thibodeaux has. Not only will opposing offensive lines have to put more of an emphasis on blocking Burns, which will open the door for Thibodeaux to go up against weaker opponents, but we're confident that Thibs can learn a thing or two from the two-time Pro Bowler.

Burns was used incredibly poorly during his time in Carolina, being put on a defense that did not play to his strengths at all. Despite this, he still managed to post some very impressive numbers. Now with New York, playing under Shane Bowen, who loves his edge-rushers, Burns could look even better than he already has in seasons past.

Regardless, Burns and Thibodeaux look to be a much-improved duo over what the Giants have had in previous years. These two will bring some much-needed help for Lawrence and make life easier for everyone else on defense.