New York Giants Training Camp Position Preview: Defensive Line

Can added depth make the defensive line a more dominant unit than 2022?

Author:
Gene Clemons
Publish date:
Jul 25, 2023 8:00 AM EDT

In this story:

We're taking an in-depth look at the New York Giants position groups before the start of training camp--the battles, the players, the questions, and more.

Here is our look at the defensive line.

Rostered Players

Dexter Lawrence, Leonard Williams, A'Shawn Robinson, Rakeem Nunez-Roches, DJ Davidson, Ryder Anderson, Vernon Butler, Kobe Smith, Jordan Riley, Brandin Bryant

The New York Giants have a diverse and dynamic group. It is a great mix of veteran studs and young developmental players. Last season this unit was a strength for the Giants thanks to the emergence of Dexter Lawrence and the steady play of the veteran Leonard Williams. Both can rush the passer and play the run, but the depth behind them needed to be upgraded.

So the Giants brought in run stuffers Rakeem Nunez-Roches from the Buccaneers and A'Shawn Robinson from the Rams to bolster their veteran depth and to try and improve the rush defense.

Veteran nose guard Justin Ellis is the only notable defensive lineman who will not return this season. Behind them is a group of young developmental talent that will mostly make their mark in the NFL by being primarily run defenders. The Giants will hope that many of these youngsters can be the sustained future of the interior line.

Biggest Question Mark

Can the defensive line be the catalyst for an improved run defense?

Many people believe that the Giants' trouble against the run stemmed from poor linebacker play and the Giants looked to improve that position in the off-season. Still, it is telling that there was a lot of investment in defensive linemen who are primarily run defenders and not pass rushers.

All four defensive linemen added this offseason are primarily run defenders. So the team must have decided that improving the run was not just a matter of upgrading the linebacker position but adding legitimate run-stuffing depth along the line. Robinson and Nunez-Roches will certainly do that, which allows them to bring along the newcomers a lot slower.

OTHER POSITION GROUPS

Running Backs | Tight Ends | Wide Receivers | Offensive Line | Quarterbacks

Key Training Camp Battle to Watch

We know where Lawrence and Williams stand going into 2023, but the questions are really behind them, and that is where eyes should be during training camp. For Robinson, health will determine where he shakes out. When healthy, he is still one of the more formidable run defenders in the league. With his pedigree, he will likely get the first shot as the third defensive lineman in 30 formations.

However, Nunez-Roches is an energetic, powerful defensive lineman who believes he can compete for that spot as the third defensive lineman. It will be interesting to watch that dynamic play out in training camp.

Neither one of them will want to relinquish snaps because both know they need to continue showing their worth for future contracts with the Giants or elsewhere. They will be motivated to make plays in a defense that can allow them to shine.

Training Camp Position Unit Grade: A

Lawrence is an All-Pro performer and one of the best interior linemen in the league. That's a great place to start. Your unit is poised for big-time production when Leonard Williams is your second-best defensive lineman. There are not a lot of defensive lines in the NFL that can go two-deep with starters. It will help this unit to overcome injuries.

Early 53-man Roster Projections

Starters: Lawrence, Williams (even); add Robinson (odd)
Backups: Robinson, Nunez-Roches, Davidson, Anderson
Practice Squad: Smith, Riley
Cut: Butler, Bryant

With four spots already sewn up, it will get tight for roster spots on the back end of this unit. Ultimately they will probably keep six on the active roster, which means five people for two slots.

Davidson and Anderson will likely have an inside track. Anderson is the only pass rusher not named Williams and Lawrence, so that gives him a leg up. The practice squad will likely be reserved for one or both young pups. It means that Butler could find himself on the outside looking in based simply on numbers.