New York Giants five biggest position needs for 2020
By Ed Stein
2. Edge Rusher
Yes, linebacker Markus Golden was a threat to opposing signal-callers with his 10 sacks. On the other hand that accounted for 28 percent of the New York Giants 36 total sacks (22nd in NFL). Most of the Giants 148 quarterback pressures were scheme related, not a rusher beating his man one on one.
Simply put the G-Men didn’t get enough heat on the quarterback and when they did Big Blue couldn’t close the deal in time. They tied for fourth in the league for QB hits after the throw. Too little, too late
A dominating pass rusher is needed. In last season’s draft, GM Dave Gettleman passed on several talented defensive end/ linebackers who could have made a measurable difference. Most notably Josh Allen who had 10.5 sacks for Carolina in 2019. Any chance at drafting Ohio State game-changer Chase Young fell by the wayside when the Giants beat Washington in Game 15.
New defensive coordinator Patrick Graham favors a 3-4 scheme, so more pressure will need to come from the outside linebackers. Shaq Barrett had a career year in 2019 with 19.5 sacks for Tampa Bay and is a free agent this spring. It would take an almost unprecedented contract offer to get him away from the Bucs. In lieu of a big signing, GMDG has to do something to fortify this area of need.