NY Giants 53-man roster prediction following the 2023 NFL Draft
By Reese Nasser
NY Giants defensive linemen/pass-rushers (8)
• Kayvon Thibodeaux (pass-rusher), Azeez Ojulari (pass-rusher), Oshane Ximines (pass-rusher), Jihad Ward (pass-rusher), Dexter Lawrence (DT), Leonard Williams (DT), A'Shawn Robinson (DT), Rakeem Nunez-Roches (DT)
After having depth issues on the defensive line last season, the Giants were sure to address this group during the offseason. While making the move to lock Dexter Lawrence into a major contract extension, they will also bring back the veteran of the bunch in Leonard Williams. In addition, they have added two starting caliber tackles in A'Shawn Robinson and Rakeem Nunez-Roches. With this group, they will have one of the best defensive interiors in the NFL.
On the outside, the Giants will once again send out the young edge duo of Azeez Ojulari and Kayvon Thibodeaux. Given that they can both stay on the field, there is arguably no young pairing with more upside. Along with Thibodeaux and Ojulari, the Giants brought back familiar faces in Oshane Ximines and Jihad Ward. Given the campaign that Ximines put together last season, he could quickly find himself back in the edge rotation.
NY Giants linebackers (5)
• Bobby Okereke, Micah McFadden, Darrian Beavers, Jarrad Davis and one mystery man
While the Giants made a splash at linebacker through free agency by signing Bobby Okereke, they opted to not address the position through the draft. With that being said, it still appears that a move could be made before the start of the season.
With the arrival of Okereke, they have added a potential star to lead the group. He is a high-volume playmaker who can fly around the field. Next to him, the Giants will send out two young linebackers who have very little experience in Micah McFadden and Darrian Beavers.
While suffering a torn ACL, Beavers was sidelined for all of his rookie year. Depending on how he can bounce back, he could very well take on a lead role within this group. The same could be said for McFadden who at times struggled for playing time during his rookie season.
The Giants could also choose to keep Jarrad Davis around. Having an established veteran on the depth chart could be key to helping some of the younger defenders progress. We'll leave one more spot open for someone else to claim. Who will that be? We'll find out this summer.