New York Giants: Reaction to Lorenzo Carter and B.J. Hill
By Sean Dyer
The New York Giants selected edge defender Lorenzo Carter (No. 66) and defensive tackle B.J. Hill (No. 69) in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft.
After bolstering the offense with Saquon Barkley and Will Hernandez in the first two rounds, the New York Giants added to their defensive front seven with edge defender Lorenzo Carter and defensive tackle B.J. Hill in the third round.
Big Blue is transitioning to a 3-4 scheme under new defensive coordinator James Bettcher causing them to need new personnel on the defensive line and at linebacker. Olivier Vernon is transitioning to be a stand-up edge rusher and Kareem Martin followed Bettcher to the Big Apple from Arizona. However, behind those two, the Giants don’t have anyone who fits the mold of a 3-4 edge rusher … until now.
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Lorenzo Carter is a long and rangy linebacker who plays with speed and toughness. Carter was a five-star recruit out of high school and although he didn’t make a huge impact at Georgia, he has the chance to be a better pro than he was college player. He has the quickness and flexibility to be an edge rusher, which is where he’ll end up with Big Blue. Carter will rotate in as a 3-4 outside linebacker as a rookie with the potential to be a starter down the road.
B.J. Hill is an athletic defensive tackle who looks like a rotational player at this point. Hill is a smart player who moves well but he needs to improve his play strength. He needs to improve his anchor but time in an NFL weight room could help. Since Hill struggles with against stronger blockers, he’ll likely be a three-technique for Big Blue and should excel in Bettcher’s one-gap system.
Both Carter and Hill help New York transition to their 3-4 defense. In year one of Bettcher’s scheme, there will be a combination of players switching positions and new players who have experience in a 3-4. I like the Carter pick a little more than the Hill pick, mostly because I would have preferred Maurice Hurst or Harrison Phillips on the defensive line.
Next: Reacting to the selection of Kyle Lauletta
Moving into Day 3, the New York Giants have two picks remaining. I still think they could use another offensive lineman, especially a tackle, as well as a cornerback, linebacker, and potentially a wide receiver. Unless, of course, Dez Bryant is on the horizon …