A few articles on the defense that I found in the down time between OTAs and camp.
Ranking Every NFL defense post draft
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25193524-ranking-every-nfl-defense-after-2025-draft
11. NY Giants
Based on last year's numbers, seeing the Giants listed this high might seem odd—they ranked outside the top 20 in total defense, run defense and scoring defense. But the times could be changing for Big Blue.
The addition of third overall pick Abdul Carter to a cadre of edge-rushers that already included Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux could give the Giants a fearsome trio of pass-rushers.
With defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence coming off nine sacks in just 12 games, the G-Men could be a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks.
Bobby Okereke didn't have the 2024 season many expected, but he and veteran Micah McFadden are a capable pair of linebackers. The Giants were already quietly eighth against the pass last year, and the secondary has some new faces in 2025.
Safety Jevon Holland gives the team a playmaker at the back of the defense who should alleviate some of the pressure on youngster Tyler Nubin. Paulson Adebo's breakout season in New Orleans last year was cut short by injury. But he should help stabilize the cornerback position in New York.
There's a pathway to the Giants being the NFL's most improved defense in 2025.
The 6 most interesting Units in the NFL
NY Giants Defense
I can assure you that it's not opposite week, because the Giants' defense has the bones of what could be a very good unit. It all starts up front, where DT Dexter Lawrence leads a group that has the potential to get after the QB in many different ways. A trio of EDGEs in Brian Burns, Abdul Carter and Kayvon Thibodeaux could help the Giants play matchup ball with the offensive line, picking and choosing who gets the isolated matchup over the worst offensive linemen. Winning football games starts in the trenches and the Giants could be very good up front.
Where this really gets interesting is in the secondary, where New York poured a lot of resources in the offseason. Signing CB Paulson Adebo and S Jevon Holland give the group more veteran experience, on top of two rookies in S Tyler Nubin and CB Dru Phillips (who was VERY good in the slot last season) that make this secondary have a lot of promise. CB Deonte Banks has to figure it out, however. The former first round pick has struggled since being drafted, and having more experience around him could help him out.
https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2025/6/16/24450175/nfl-6-most-interesting-offense-defense-2025-jets-dolphins-cardinals-patriots?_gl=1*1buk2vm*_ga*MTY2Mjk1NDA4MS4xNzM2MDIzMzgz*_ga_2M5GYNY1YS*czE3NTAxMTQ4MTEkbzEyOCRnMSR0MTc1MDExNDg1NSRqMTYkbDAkaDA.
They were short inserts on 2 larger articles so I posted the relevant NY Giants portions and left the links so you can go look at the other defensive rankings or interesting Units if you want.
I would have liked to see what Wink might have done with Carter, Burns and Thibs and the new secondary.
Quote from: Philosophers on June 16, 2025, 08:22:14 PMI would have liked to see what Wink might have done with Carter, Burns and Thibs and the new secondary.
While Wink had great defenses he never did well with pass rushers. I am pretty sure Thibodeaux easily breaks the record of best Pass rush stats Wink has ever had. Before Thibodeaux, Winks highest production from a pass rusher was like 9 sacks.