The New York Giants might not have Super Bowl expectations in 2025, but there's one unit on Big Blue that does project to be one of the best in the NFL this season: the defensive line.
Led by superstars Dexter Lawrence and Brian Burns, the Giants will deploy a three-man pass rush that includes high-first-round investments in Kayvon Thibodeaux and 2025 first-round pick Abdul Carter in what could be the most feared defensive line in the NFL this year.
At least, it should be the most feared in the NFC.
In a new ranking of the top-25 position groups in the NFL, the Giants' defensive line ranked No. 6, which was the second-best D-line behind only the Pittsburgh Steelers.
"Almost nothing went right for the 2024 Giants, whose 'Hard Knocks: Offseason' foray backfired so spectacularly the NFL could not convince a team to film a follow-up," Yardbarker's Sam Robinson wrote. "Even if this regime is doomed, it will at least go down swinging with a fearsome pass rush.
"The Giants bottoming out to 3-14 left them no choice but to draft perhaps the draft's best player at a single position, edge rusher Abdul Carter. Carter may not even start in Year 1, as he will pair with OLBs Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux in a situation that reminds of the Super Bowl-era Giants' NASCAR packages. Adding to this stew: Dexter Lawrence remains the group's best player, occupying blockers as an All-Pro nose tackle."
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The biggest question facing GM Joe Schoen right now is whether he should keep all three pass rushers or trade Thibodeaux for a package of draft picks that could be critical for a rebuilding team like the Giants. Remember: Thibodeaux's contract runs through the 2026 season, assuming New York maintains the fifth-year option they exercised earlier this offseason.
The Giants' offense remains a mystery, with Russell Wilson representing an upgrade at quarterback and an offensive line that should produce better returns in 2025 now that Andrew Thomas is healthy. If Wilson regains some of his Seahawks-level form this season, New York could be a sneaky-competitive squad. If not, the team will be turned over to first-round pick Jaxson Dart, which means the defense, and this fearsome defensive line, will determine just how many games Big Blue wins.
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