On paper, theNew York Giants' run defense should be improved.
And yes, it's clear games are won on the field, not with praise in the offseason.
How important of a factor was this in the Giants' quest to set a new tone under John Harbaugh?
Harbaugh left no doubt as far as the significance of not allowing opponents to impose their will on the ground back at the Scouting Combine in late February.
"Well, we better [be improved] - it's a must thing, I can tell you that," Harbaugh said. "There's a lot to it. There's three levels and layers to your defense, and all three layers and levels have got to be committed to and incorporated in stopping the run, no doubt. Every single one of the 11 guys has got to be committed to stopping the run. You can't let people run all over you, there's no doubt about it."
It's not like Harbaugh went out on a limb with his declaration about fixing the Giants' 31st-ranked run defense from a year ago. Then All-Pro Dexter Lawrence was traded with team brass adhering to his request for the 10th overall pick from theBengalsthat they used on offensive lineman Sisi Mauigoa, who is penciled in as the starting right guard on the opposite side of the ball.
Yet somehow, the Giants have managed to rework and reshape their defense under new coordinator Dennard Wilson, and no one is pretending the bar was set too high coming off the last two years.
Under former DC Shane Bowen, who was fired with a month left in the 2025 season, the Giants allowed 5.3 yards per carry and surrendered 2,470 total rushing yards, finishing 31st in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game with 145.3 yards per contest. They also gave up 21 rushing touchdowns, the second-most in the league, and allowed 69 runs of 20+ yards.
So here's where things stand as the Giants continue through their offseason program post-NFL Draft with rookie camp on tap for this weekend:
New York Giants defensive line depth chart
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Who's here (projected starter in bold, rookies in italics):D.J. Reader, Shelby Harris,Darius Alexander, Leki Fotu, Roy Robertson-Harris, Sam Roberts, Bobby Jamison-Travis, Zacch Pickens, Elijah Chatman, Marlon Tuipulotu, Anquin Barnes(undrafted free agent), Ben Barten (undrafted free agent)
Lawrence's departure to Cincinnati put pressure on the front office and the coaches to figure out ways to replace him. It was a huge void, and while the right move was to trade one of the team's foundational pieces, his exit left a gaping hole.
How Giants newcomers D.J. Reader, Shelby Harris fit on defense
Reader has been an elite run stopper in his career, and while he is about to enter his age 32 season, there is enough quality play left in his game to believe he can be a big part of this effort. He often occupies double teams at nose tackle, and has been a part of winning in recent seasons from the Bengals' run to the Super Bowl to the last two seasons for the Lions near the top of the NFC.
Meanwhile, Harris has played an integral role in Cleveland's strong front, complementing star Myles Garrett on the interior. He's more of a three-technique and can play alongside Reader.
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Neither veteran will be a full-time, three-down player in terms of eating the number of snaps the way Lawrence did. But it's important to note that, with the rest of the talent the Giants have to deploy in their pass rush, the primary responsibility will be in getting this defense into those favorable scenarios.
An overlooked gem: Darius Alexander
There is an open spot in the starting lineup beside Reader and Harris, and Alexander should get the first chance to put his development on display. He showed well down the stretch of his rookie season and more will be expected. Check that: more will be needed, and if the Giants can get Alexander to become the caliber of player they hoped when they drafted him, he'll be an overlooked gem.
Could Roy Robertson-Harris find himself on the way out?
Another returnee in Roy Robertson-Harris was initially viewed as a potential cap casualty, but prior to the Reader and Harris additions - not to mention Fotu's arrival - he was in the starting lineup. That may longer be the case, and if Robertson-Harris finds himself fighting for a role, he might land on the wrong side of that. He could face the possibility of being forced to take a pay cut or being released if the depth around him pans out.
Auburn's Bobby Jamison-Travis, one of the Giants' three sixth-round picks, is an accomplished run stuffer who could grab a rotational role as a rookie. They also claimed Zacch Pickens off waivers from the Chiefs on Tuesday.
Impact of inside linebackers Tremaine Edmunds and Arvell Reese
The history in Baltimore at the position during Harbaugh's 18-year tenure speaks for itself. He had All-Pros in Ray Lewis and C.J. Mosley in the middle of talented defenses. TheRavensalso had Patrick Queen, a first-round pick, and when that did not pan out to the level theRavenshoped, they went and traded for another All-Pro in Roquan Smith.
Enter Tremaine Edmunds and the somewhat surprising addition of first-round draft pick Arvell Reese.
Calling Reese solely a pass rusher during the pre-draft process led many to miss out on what his fit with the Giants will be. He's a projection in that role and putting him in that room doesn't truly represent his value. Because his comfort as an off-ball LB provides this defense another weapon and in theory strengthens the entire unit. He'll play "WILL" 'backer next to Edmunds, who was one of the Giants' big ticket newcomers on the free agent market.
The Giants have not had a pair of linebackers with this level of athleticism and length in the middle of their defense in quite some time. Micah McFadden signed a one-year prove-it deal after missing all but one game last year with a foot injury, so he should also find a role. Watch out for sixth-round rookie Jack Kelly who could put the squeeze on the rest of the depth chart, including 2024 sixth rounder Darius Muasau.
The edge group of Brian Burns, Abdul Carter, Kayvon Thibodeaux and Chauncey Golston represents the deepest and most talented of any on the team. Teams attacked the Giants on the edges last year, and not solely because of their outside 'backers, but the lack of awareness in the run game from the back end.
Why Colton Hood represents upgrade in run defense, too
Hood is strong and physical on the boundary, and yes, his presence in the secondary as a cover guy should show up immediately. He's also been very good in the run defense, and the biggest reason why former first-round pick Tae Banks fell out of favor initially under the previous coaching staff was his apparent unwillingness to be sound in that aspect.
The Giants are going to play the corners that prove they can contribute on early downs. There won't be any running from that responsibility under Wilson and if Harbaugh has any say in the matter, which he absolutely does.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com:NY Giants run defense overhaul fueled by John Harbaugh’s standard