With more than $50 million to spend on the free agency market, the New York Giants made 3 key additions to a defense that ranked 30th in the NFL last season. Former Miami Dolphins Defensive End, Olivier Vernon was signed for 5 years, $85 million; Defensive Back Janoris Jenkins left the Rams for the price tag of $62.5 million; Damon Harrison (who played last year with the Jets) signed for 5 years and $46.25 million.
These three players should help revamp a defense that only has 5 returning starters from the 2015 team. Below, we take a look at what you can expect from each of the new members of “Big Blue,” broken down into Pros and Cons:
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Olivier Vernon – Defensive End, 6″2, 280lbs.
Pros: Vernon brings a nice combination of speed and power off the edge. He is a prototypical pass rusher but he is also a very good run stopper. Although he had only 7.5 sacks in 2015, it was the 2.19 quarterback hits per game (which led the league) that really intrigued the Giants. The Organization believes he is ready to explode on the scene and become a household name.
Cons: For the first seven games of the 2015 season with Miami, Vernon kind of went unnoticed until fellow teammate Cameron Wake went down for the season. Was it the circumstances that helped him to step up his play? It will be very interesting to see how he comes out of the gate in Game 1 this season. His contract would suggest that he is the next great pass rusher and hopefully, someone who will eventually be in the Giants “Ring of Honor.”
Janoris Jenkins – Defensive Back, 5’10, 198lbs.
Pros: Jenkins is a playmaker and has no problem taking chances while jumping a receiver’s route, always looking for an interception or ‘pick-6″ the other way. Jenkins brings confidence and “swag” to a defense that has been at the bottom of the league for the past few years. He can run with any receiver and make those downfield interceptions that many defensive backs would drop.
Cons: He is a “Gambler” on defense and will inevitably give up some big plays. The Giants need to keep him playing within the scheme. If they can limit his big mistakes, he is a Pro-Bowl contender.
Damon Harrison – Defensive Tackle, 6’4, 350lbs.
Pros: This run-stuffing, “quick” big man may prove to be the best signing out of the three. Harrison comes to a Giants team that ranked 24th in the league against the run in 2015. The reason he is a great addition is because he will be playing in a 4-3 instead of a 3-4 defense. This means that he will be playing alongside Jonathan Hank; the duo will be able to stuff the run together, rather than taking on a center and guard on their own.
Cons: Harrison was primarily a run-stopper in the 3-4 with the Jets, coming off the field on 3rd down or passing situations. In a 4-3, Harrison will be on the field more. If he has the stamina, he will have the opportunity to prove himself and show he can push the pocket, creating breakdowns that lead to more sacks for the Giants.
This is a defense that has given up a ton of points over the past few years. There is no doubt that with Eli Manning and Odell Beckham Jr., this unit should be one of the best offenses in the league. The question now is, can the defense be as good as the offense? With these free agency moves and their young draft picks, the Giants have all the pieces in place to make a run at the division and beyond. Optimism is high, and that is a great thing for Giants fans.
For more of Chris Rosa and his take on the Giants, follow him on Twitter @GiantsCarbCrush.
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