Ranking the 7 most important NY Giants players on defense

5. DL Leonard Williams

He may not be the dominant pass-rusher he once was. However, Leonard Williams has shaped into one of the better run-stopping defensive lineman in the NFL and he has been a core piece of the Giants' defense since he was traded for. Entering his fourth full season with the NY Giants, Williams is looking to continue being a big factor for the team's defensive line.

While he dealt with injuries throughout last season, his presence was still felt when on the field. In the 12 games he played, Williams racked up 45 combined tackles, five tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and 33 pressures. Williams was also the 19th highest-graded defensive lineman in the NFL according to PFF.

If Williams returns to full health next season, expect some more domination between him and Dexter Lawrence. The duo these two have formed in recent seasons has become one of the best in the NFL. The impact Williams and Lawrence have had makes it almost impossible to tell that the Giants haven't had a starting-caliber linebacker in over five years.

Hopefully, Schoen works out an extension with the 29-year-old standout in order to keep him around for the next couple of years. With all the additions the Giants have made they can't afford to lose someone as important as Williams.