(Credit: James Escher)
The G-Men definitely made moves on the defensive side of the ball this offseason, leaving some spots up for grabs come training camp. Others have been further solidified.
Defensive Line
With the Giant’s allowing Justin Tuck and Linval Joseph ship out to different teams, look for those positions to become a heated competition in camp. Although Mathias Kiwanuka might be listed at the top of most depth charts, I wouldn’t be suprised if Robert Ayers or Damontre Moore emerge as the leading candidate. Many people around the Giants organization believe Moore is ready for the next step and Ayers was a solid run stopper in Denver before coming over to New York. Opposite of them will of course be Jason Pierre-Paul. JPP is said to be healthy for the first time since 2012 and will play an important part of the Giants Defense as a whole. With Tuck gone he is going to provide most of the rush for the Giants and they can only hope he can perform like he did back in 2011 when he had 16.5 sacks. Another reason for optimism with Pierre-Paul is that it is a contract year so this could be the year that he backs up his talk and provides the unstoppable force this team was looking for last season. As for Linval Joseph’s departure look for Johnathan Hankins and Markus Kuhn to step up for a growing defensive tackle unit which will once again be anchored by Cullen Jenkins. Hankins rated high for run blocking in his final four games and exceptional overall. Veteran Mike Patterson will most likely replace Hankins in passing situations. Kuhn and Jay Bromley will also have their chance but like coach Coughlin said “You’re not going to see anything really to talk about until you get the pads on.” Another player that the G-Men are looking to return healthy and produce this year is LB Jon Beason. Beason is expected to make it back for most of the season, but until then the coaches are just looking for him to continue to be a leader to the younger guys in the locker room and team meetings, much like Justin Tuck was for them before going to Oakland.
Safeties
Not much has changed here with Antrel Rolle and Stevie Brown both slotted to start. Brown coming of knee surgery that kept him out last season is looking to have a big comeback and do better than his eight interception 2012 campaign. Rolle on the other hand continues to be a consistent starter for the Giant’s and a top safety in the NFL.
Cornerbacks
Possibly the Giants strongest unit is the cornerbacks. Prince Amukamara finally had a solid year last season and newly acquired Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie will man the other side of the field. He spent last season in Denver before signing a five-year, $35 million contract with the Giants this offseason. He’s able to run step for step with even the speediest receivers. This should come in handy having to face DeSean Jackson and Dez Bryant four times each season. Lastly the Giants sured up their back line by also signing Walter Thurmond from the Super Bowl Champion Seattle Seahawks. Thurmond calls himself the best slot corner in the league and there isn’t much to prove him wrong. Many scouts even say he is underrated. He can be played in the slot as well as fill in as starter if anything was to happen to another starting corner. Overall this is definitely a solid position for the Giants going into camp and the season.
Bobby O’Hara: PureSportsNY