New York Giants Offseason: Reviewing the Defensive Tackle Position
By Sean Dyer
Who’s In, Who’s Out?
In: Damon Harrison, Dalvin Tomlinson, Robert Thomas
Out: Jay Bromley
There is no doubt that Damon Harrison and Dalvin Tomlinson will be back in 2018. They formed one of the best defensive tackle duos in the league last season.
Harrison will likely move to a nose tackle position in James Bettcher’s new 3-4 defense but “Snacks” should have no problem with the transition after playing nose tackle with the Jets for three full seasons before joining Big Blue.
With Harrison in the middle, Tomlinson will likely move to a five-technique defensive end in base packages. Tomlinson has the size and length to handle being a 3-4 defensive end. He will also move inside to defensive tackle when New York is in sub packages, which will be most of the time in today’s NFL.
Robert Thomas has some familiarity with Dave Gettleman from his brief stint in Carolina. As an exclusive rights free agent, the Giants can easily bring him back to compete for a reserve role.
When Jay Bromley hits free agency, I have a hard time believing the Giants will look to bring him back. Although he was not terrible and was a serviceable backup, after using a third-round pick on Bromley, he was a disappointment. The new regime has no allegiance to him and could look elsewhere. Also, with the move to a 3-4 scheme, Big Blue needs more five-technique defensive ends than three-technique defensive tackles.