This will be Part 4 in my series of 6 as we discuss the upcoming prospects on the defensive line. The New York Giants run defense was 26th in the NFL in 2022 allowing 148 yards per game and aside from the lack of an impact inside linebacker; the Giants would be wise to add a big body along the defensive line. It’s being reported that the Giants will move on from Justin Ellis and Nick Williams for 2023 and if Jihad Ward gets a better deal and moves on, the defensive line position becomes an important element to add. Let’s take a look at my Top 5 Defensive tackles and Top 5 Defensive ends in the 2023 NFL draft.
Defensive Tackles
- Jalen Carter (Georgia) 6’3/310: Carter is an elite defensive lineman and hands down the best in the 2023 draft. Carter has all the intangibles to a star in the NFL. Projected top 5
- Bryan Bresee (Clemson) 6’5/310: Bresee has elite power and agility for his size and is quick off the snap to disrupt plays behind the line of scrimmage. Bresee is a dominating run stuffer but can also collapse the pocket and compile a few sacks along the way. Projected top 20.
- Calijah Kancey (Pittsburgh) 6’0/280: Kancey is considered undersize for a defensive lineman, but it wasn’t too long ago when another former Pittsburgh Panther defensive lineman by the name of Aaron Donald was deemed too small as well. Kancey is instinctive, strong and simply makes plays. Projected Round 1.
- Siaki Ika (Baylor) 6’4/358: Ika has an extremely thick frame with a strong lower base, but is surprisingly agile on his feet. Ika is a pure run stuffer and can consistently collapse the pocket with his pure power rush. Projected Round 2.
- Mazi Smith (Michigan) 6’3/335- Smith brings a nice blend of power and quickness with a high motor to top it off. Smith moves like a linebacker at times and carries his weight well. Projected Mid Round 2.
Defensive Ends
- Tyree Wilson (Texas Tech) 6’6/275: Wilson appears to be NFL ready with his power and speed combination and an extremely long wingspan. Wilson recorded seven sacks in 2022, which is considered low for his standards as he often faced double teams. Projected top 10.
- Myles Murphy (Clemson) 6’5/275: Murphy has long arms that enable him to create space between him and the opposing offensive lineman. Murphy has strong hands and a natural bend, which benefits him on the pass rush. Projected top 15.
- Lukas Van Ness (Iowa) 6’6/270: Van Ness has a natural bend on the edge and utilizes his quickness to his benefit. Van Ness possesses multiple moves already as a pass rusher and has a high motor. Projected late Round 1.
- Keion White (Georgia Tech)-6’4/285: White’s stock rose after his performance during senior week as he displayed his power and quickness. White could enhance his draft stock more with a solid combine. Projected late Round 2.
- Tuli Tuipulotu (USC) 6’4/290: Tuipulotu recorded an impressive 13.5 sacks in 2022 by utilizing a combination of power and speed. Tuipulotu has NFL ready written all over him as a solid 3 down Defensive End. Projected late Round 2.
The Giants GM Joe Schoen could be in the market for either a Defensive Tackle or Defensive End or possibly both depending what the team decides to do with current players on the Giants roster. I believe the Giants could strongly consider drafting both positions; especially if Jihad Ward receives a better offer from another team and moves on.
Keep an eye out for part 5 as we cover the top 5 OLB/EDGE and top 5 ILB. Check our YouTube Channel for all the draft shows.