4 bold NY Giants predictions before the summer ends
By Zak Musso
3. Giants add pass-rush help from outside the building
The Giants roster is currently relatively thin at outside linebacker. The Giants exacerbated that problem by releasing 2021 fourth-round pick Elerson Smith. Smith had a tumultuous two years in New York, registering just 11 tackles, and failing to stay healthy for most of his tenure.
Behind young pass-rush stars Kayvon Thibodeaux and Azeez Ojulari, the Giants depth chart at outside linebacker features veteran Jihad Ward, second-year player Tomon Fox, undrafted rookie Habakkuk Baldonado, the embattled Oshane Ximines, and veteran Tashawn Bowser. That group leaves a lot to be desired.
Thibodeaux and Ojulari both have a propensity for injuries, making it essential for the Giants to have pass-rushing depth. Justin Houston, Robert Quinn, Melvin Ingram, Anthony Barr, and Nate Gerry are all still free agents and could be serviceable insurance policies for the two Giants starters. The Giants could also wait until each NFL team cuts their roster down to 53, see what veteran pass-rushers are cutand claim/sign one or two.