New York Giants: 6 Miami Dolphins Big Blue should consider

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Minkah Fitzpatrick, Miami Dolphins. New York Giants. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Defense

It’s obvious after Sunday, the Giants need some help with their defense. They don’t have enough talent to compete against good teams. Miami should be able to help.

Charles Harris, Outside linebacker – A speed rusher out of the University of Missouri, Miami selected Harris with the 22nd overall pick in 2017. In his two years of NFL action, Harris hasn’t gotten to the quarterback very much. He only started three of 27 games entering 2019, recording seven tackles for loss, which includes three sacks.

Perhaps Harris could use a change of scenery. He seems like a good fit for defensive coordinator James Betcher’s defensive scheme. Due to his 6-3, 256 pound frame Harris could be a perfect hybrid drop end, playing on the line or dropping back in coverage.

Xavien Howard, Cornerback – The G-Men need a cornerback to play opposite of Janoris Jenkins. It’s absolutely clear 2019 the first-round pick DeAndre Baker (30th overall) is ready yet to cover man-on-man at the NFL level. In time, he’ll get there, but not now. No one else on the roster is ready either.

Howard had a very good 2018 season as he tied for the NFL lead in interceptions with seven. He also had a dozen passes defended. Those numbers were enough to carry him to the Pro Bowl, even though the young cornerback played in 12 games. Howard says he doesn’t want to be traded, but he might be one of Miami’s best trade chips. Cover corners are hard to find.

Christian Wilkins, Defensive end – If nothing else, Christian Wilkins has a good relationship with Giants first-round pick defensive tackle, Dexter Lawrence. Both played on the D-line for the NCAA National Champion Clemson Tigers. They were selected 13th and 17th overall, respectively.

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Wilkins is the defensive end Big Blue is lacking. If there is any doubt, go back and watch his highlights from last year. He was a first-team All-American with 57 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, including six sacks. The 6-3, 315-pound lineman will cost Gettleman at least a first-round pick, but they also have a desperate need for someone who can get to the quarterback.

Minkah Fitzpatrick, Safety – When training camp broke, safety looked like the last position the New York Giants needed help. After watching Sunday’s game, that was a misconception. Jabrill Peppers, Antoine Bethea, and anyone else who played safety in that game were lost in coverage all afternoon. Dallas receivers were wide open and behind the secondary too often.

Who better to replace the departed Landon Collins than another Alabama safety. Fitzpatrick lives the game, his intensity level is at an 11 on a scale from one to ten. He likes to hit, can cover receivers in the slot, and is good at blitzing the quarterback. That description sounds familiar, doesn’t it?

dark. Next. Three takeaways from Giants 35-17 loss at Dallas

Fitzpatrick won’t be cheap either, but he could be the on-field leader this defense needs

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