After years of being pushed around in the trenches and finishing near the bottom of defensive rankings, the New York Giants may have finally turned the page. Thanks to an aggressive offseason and a focused draft strategy, the Giants have built what could be one of the most dangerous front sevens in the NFL.
For the first time in nearly a decade, defense in New York isn’t a liability — it’s the foundation.
A Draft That Sent a Message
General Manager Joe Schoen made his intentions crystal clear when he used the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to select Abdul Carter, a dynamic linebacker-edge hybrid out of Penn State. Carter, already being called a future Pro Bowler by scouts, brings elite speed, versatility, and tenacity — a nightmare for opposing offensive coordinators.
“We wanted someone who could change the tone at the line of scrimmage,” Schoen said during rookie minicamp. “Abdul does that the moment he steps on the field.”
In Round 3, the Giants doubled down with the selection of Darius Alexander, a raw but explosive front-seven prospect out of Texas A&M, adding even more firepower to an already promising defensive core.
Dexter Lawrence: The Anchor Returns
Despite his 2024 season ending prematurely due to injury, Dexter Lawrence still posted elite numbers — 10 sacks and 36 total pressures in just 12 games. Fully recovered and ready for 2025, Lawrence is set to resume his role as the emotional and physical anchor of the defensive front.
His ability to collapse pockets from the interior frees up opportunities for the edge rushers — and this year, those edge rushers are anything but ordinary.
A Star-Powered Edge Duo
The Giants made headlines earlier this year when they signed Brian Burns, formerly of the Carolina Panthers, to a blockbuster four-year deal. Burns delivered immediately in 2024 with 9 sacks and 61 pressures, and he’s already proving to be the disruptive force the Giants desperately needed on the outside.
Across from him is Kayvon Thibodeaux, who, while posting a quieter 2024 (6 sacks, 38 pressures), continues to flash the top-five potential the Giants saw in him during the 2022 draft.
With Carter now rotating in, defensive coordinator Shane Bowen has the flexibility to create havoc. Carter can rush off the edge, drop into coverage, or stunt inside, forcing offenses to constantly guess — and often guess wrong.
Building an Identity Through Defense
The Giants are no strangers to defensive greatness — their Super Bowl-winning teams in 2007 and 2011 were defined by pressure and chaos up front. But in recent years, the unit had become a weakness, ranking 28th in total defense in 2024 and surrendering an average of 26.4 points per game.
This year, that narrative could flip.
“We’ve got speed, we’ve got strength, and we’ve got attitude,” said Burns after a recent workout. “And we’re not taking a backseat to anyone.”
Holding the Line While the Offense Gels
With Russell Wilson now under center and rookie wideout Malik Nabers offering explosive potential, the offense is expected to improve — but may take time to click. In the meantime, this new-look defense is expected to set the tone early in games, keeping the Giants competitive even against high-powered opponents.
If they can stay healthy and gel quickly, the Giants could surprise a lot of people in 2025 — not because of flashy offense, but because they’re finally getting nasty in the trenches again.
