The New York Giants defense will have a new look to it in both personnel and scheme. New DC Shane Bowen will bring his own brand of style, which will be totally different from what Wink Martindale’s defense displayed over the last two seasons. Last season, the Giants defense allowed 23.9 points per game and 361.7 yards per game which placed them near the bottom in the NFL. They did collect 18 interceptions (2nd ranked in the NFL), while only collecting 34 sacks, which was the bottom half in 2023. A solid defense usually has solid contribution from all three levels (Defensive level, linebackers/secondary) and the Giants are equipped in all three levels to possibly become a top 10 defense in 2024.
Defensive Line
Dexter Lawrence has emerged as one of the most dominating forces along the defensive line in the NFL and seems to be getting better with each year.
Brian Burns acquired in a trade from Carolinais looked upon as the missing piece to put the Giants over the top and possibly be a top 10 defense. Burns recorded 8.5 sacks in 2023, but many are projecting double digits in 2024.
Kayvon Thibodeaux had a breakout season in 2023 with 11.5 sacks. With the addition of Burns on the other side, many are expecting another double digit season in the sack department.
Linebackers
Bobby Okereke: Last off season, the Giants signed Bobby Okereke and he emerged as one of the team’s best defenders with a total of 149 tackles (92 solo) and is expected a repeat performance in 2024.
Micah McFadden: McFadden blossomed in his second season with a total of 101 tackles (63 solo) to complement Okereke as the Giants two inside linebackers. McFadden was a force between the tackles and the Giants are projecting McFadden to improve upon his totals from 2023.
Secondary
Deonte Banks had a solid rookie season in 2023 and by all accounts, the sky is the limit. Banks is already penciled in as the Giants CB1 and welcomes that challenge with open arms.
Tyler Nubin is the new face for the Giants in 2024 and by all accounts has large shoes to fill with the departure of Xavier Mckinney who signed as a free agent with the Green Bay Packers. Nubin will embrace his new role and should secure a starting role by opening day and make many Giant fans forget about McKinney.
The other notable secondary candidates like Jason Pinnock, Dan Belton, Andru Phillips, Cor’Dale Flott and Trey Hawkins will all be asked to play a role for the Giants and if they can meet or exceed expectations, the Giants defense will benefit and give them a very formidable defense in 2024.