Could This Interior Defensive Linemen Help Boost Giants' Productivity?
As the New York Giants prepare for the beginning of free agency, general manager Joe Schoen must identify areas of need. Quarterback, offensive line, wide receiver, edge rusher, and cornerback are a few positions at the top of the list, all expected to be addressed either in free agency, the draft, or both.
This is a critical part of the offseason, especially now that the coaching staff is in place; they can begin to put their strategy together for the important roster building that will take place over the next two months.
The defensive line is one of the underrated positions that the Giants need to pay attention to. As mentioned above, they need an edge rusher but more beef on the interior. Schoen did a solid job by adding two veteran run-stoppers last year in A’Shawn Robinson and Rakeem Nuñez-Roches. Nuñez-Roches is still under contract for the next two seasons, but Robinson is set to be a free agent.
Dec 25, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (91) celebrates after recovering a fumble to score against the Kansas City Chiefs during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
enny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
While the Giants could look to address this position group in the draft, Pro Football Focus has a free-agent suggestion that could make more sense: Las Vegas Raiders defender Bilal Nichols.
Nichols, a 27-year-old run-stopper with pass-rushing ability, just completed his second year in Las Vegas. He was originally a fifth-round pick in 2018 by the Bears and worked himself up into a versatile interior defensive lineman during his time in Chicago.
Hailed by PFF as "one of the more versatile interior defenders available, with experience across the formation in both odd and even fronts, and is the type of solid and reliable member of a unit who can be a matchup-specific chess piece,” the popular analytics site believes Nichols' versatility could be a welcomed addition to the Giants defensive front.
The Giants are no doubt looking for more production next to Dexter Lawrence. He’s played all over the interior as the right and left defensive end, defensive tackle, and strictly nose tackle in 2020. Nichols, who is also durable--he missed just five games in his six-year career, could be that guy to provide it.
In his six seasons in the league, Nichols has recorded 238 tackles, 14 sacks, 26 tackles for loss, and 44 quarterback hits. Despite playing every game over the last two years, he wasn’t as impactful for the Raiders as for the Bears. His defensive snap count dipped from 71 percent in 2022 to 54 percent in 2023.
But if Nichols can give the Giants the type of production that Robinson gave them after the Leonard Williams trade, he might be a nice and affordable addition.
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