3 Questions Will Define Giants' Defense
The New York Giants invested a majority of their offseason resources on improving the defense, a questionable strategy given the journey 2024 took them on, but a successful one nonetheless.
General manager Joe Schoen signed safety Jevon Holland and corner Paulson Adebo to headline the secondary. He stockpiled depth and then took blue-chip Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter with the No. 3 pick.
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The defensive line is poised to be elite, and the secondary should force more turnovers than the five interceptions they found in 2024. But this is not a unit without concerns, and much of its success may hinge on a small group of players.
Three questions could define the Giants' 2025 defense.
1. Can Deonte Banks finally break out?
Schoen's first-round acquisitions started poorly. Edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux is still waiting to truly become a significant presence and tackle Evan Neal is one of the bigger offensive line busts in recent memory. Corner Deonte Banks added to those struggles with two inconsistent seasons.
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He looked incredible against DK Metcalf, but effort questions popped up as opposing receivers racked up touchdowns.
Banks profiles as the weak link of New York's secondary. If he can approach the potential of his athletic tools, giving the Giants two quality starters on the perimeter, the upside of the defense would be among the best in the league.
2. Will Darius Alexander succeed as a Day 1 starter?
Carter was the biggest addition to the defensive line. Alexander, as a 3-tech next to Dexter Lawrence, completes the unit.
That last starting spot on New York's defensive line was abused in 2024, limiting the run defense and collapsing once Lawrence went down. Alexander can play the run well and has real pass-rushing upside. He'll be the easy favorite to start in September, and his impact should provide more of a boost than his production.
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Alexander's most important role will be adding credibility to the team's pass rush synergy. He doesn't need double-digit sacks or Defensive Rookie of the Year votes. He merely needs to punish teams for doubling Lawrence so the entire four-man front can be in a better position to succeed.
3. Can Bobby Okereke bounce back in Shane Bowen's scheme.
Linebacker Bobby Okereke looked like a star under defensive coordinator Wink Martindale. After his dishonorable discharge from head coach Brian Daboll's staff, Shane Bowen replaced him.
Instead of playing downhill in an aggressive Martindale defense heavy on aggression and light on gap discipline, Bowen's defense was more static and reactive. Maybe that's for the best regarding the rest of the defense. For Okereke, it was disastrous.
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Playing five fewer games, Okereke was less productive in just about every category. His zero interceptions, three passes defended and forced fumbles, two sacks, and 93 tackles were all worse than his strong 2024 season. He looked far less comfortable in coverage and was unleashed less coming downhill.
Okereke is a quiet X-factor in the middle of the Giants defense. If he can return to form, Bowen would have another difference maker to weaponize and a dynamo in the second level.
Related: Carter Reacts to Joining Giants' Loaded Line
Related: One Reason Jalin Hyatt Can Break Out in Year 3
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