New York Giants: Post-draft linebackers breakdown

The Giants have never tried to solidify the middle of their defense. They have a lot of young players with potential, but no real standout yet.

The New York Giants focused on beefing up their defense this offseason. However, they forgot to pay any attention to the linebacker position. Lacking a real pass rusher has cost this team the ability to close out games in recent years.

The Giants are hoping second-year player Lorenzo Carter can be that guy for them.

"“He is rushing with a plan,’’ Bettcher said. “A year ago he was trying to get off the ball as quick as he could and use his hands when he could. Now, you see a guy that is aware of how he wants to rush, aware of techniques that he wants to rush with. Guys that get in there as pass rushers, you see their best growth in the two and three years. You start to figure out what they are as rushers. He is really starting to figure that out. He is building his pass-rush toolbox right now.’’"

One player who needs to prove him is B.J. Goodson. Goodson is projected to be a starter; however, that may only be by default. Goodson has proven to be a great run stopper but severely lacks the ability to defend the pass. Younger linebackers like Tae Davis and Ryan Connelly could take playing time away from Goodson who is on the final year of his rookie contract.

The team still has Alec Ogletree as their starting middle linebacker and leader on defense. Since trading for the Rams’ player in 2018, Ogletree has yet to live up to expectations. Like other Giants’ linebackers, he has struggled to defend the pass.

New York tied for second to last in the NFL with only 30 sacks for the entire season just beating out only Jon Gruden and the Oakland Raiders. The Giants did a pass-rushing linebacker in the draft who could overtake any of the starters on the roster if he proves his value.