New York Giants Offseason: Reviewing the Defensive End Position

Outside Help?

NFL Draft: Harrison Phillips, Rasheem Green, Nathan Shepherd, Chad Thomas, Breeland Speaks, Andrew Brown, Da’Shawn Hand

The New York Giants are not only more likely to address their needs at defensive end in the draft, but do it in the mid to later rounds of the draft.

However, James Bettcher could be banging on the table if Harrison Phillips is available at pick No. 34 in the second round. Phillips has an extremely high motor and makes it tough for opposing blockers to stay engaged. A defensive front of Phillips, Damon Harrison, and Dalvin Tomlinson, with Olivier Vernon and Jason Pierre-Paul on the edge, would be very tough to block.

Rasheem Green is another guy Bettcher would love to get his hands on. Green has immense potential and just need the right coach to bring it out of him. His combination of size, power, and quickness is tough to find.

More from New York Giants

• Caesars New York Promo Code: Win $250 Bonus GUARANTEED on ANY Bet!
• When will the New York Giants’ First Win Come?
• New York Giants Look Horrible in Loss to 49ers
• New York Giants to Play an Injured 49ers Team Sunday
• New York Giants: Breaking Down the Devonta Freeman Signing

Nathan Shepherd is a Div. II product from Fort Hays St. who impressed at the NFL Combine. He’s a bit of a project but could be available in the middle rounds for Bettcher to mold.

Chad Thomas has good size, length, and speed. He could be a solid rotational defensive end who should be available in the middle rounds. Breeland Speaks fits the mold of a 3-4 defensive end and could be a starter down the road. He also has a good size, length, and speed combination.

Andrew Brown went from reserve to starter when the Virginia defense switched from a 4-3 to a 3-4 scheme. He would be a rotational defensive end who has good speed and athletic ability.

Da’Shawn Hand was the top high school recruit in 2014 but didn’t live up to expectations at Alabama. He has great size and athletic ability but everyone is waiting for him to put it all together. Perhaps his college teammate Dalvin Tomlinson could motivate him at the next level if the New York Giants use a mid-round pick on Hand.

Next: New York Giants Offseason: Reviewing the Interior OL

The New York Giants have plenty of talent at defensive end with Olivier Vernon and Jason Pierre-Paul but need to find another pass rusher to take pressure off of those two and allow them to get more rest throughout the season. If OV and JPP transition to outside linebackers in James Bettcher’s 3-4 scheme, defensive end could become more of a need. How Bettcher utilizes Big Blue’s current personnel will determine how they address the position this offseason.