Giants need defensive linemen in their second year to do better this year

This coming season, the New York Giants’ defensive line could rank among their strongest. Despite dealing away Leonard Williams during the regular season and losing A’Shawn Robinson to free agency, they still lack depth on the interior.

In 2024, the Giants will need to rely on second-year defensive lineman Jordon Riley to take a step forward this season. Riley faces an opportunity to win the starting job opposite Dexter Lawrence but will need to prove his worth in such a role.

The Giants are thin on the interior of their defensive line

Competing alongside Riley for the starting job is fellow youngster D.J. Davidson. The third-year player saw an increase in playing time last season after Williams was traded. He finished with 13 combined tackles, one tackle for loss, 0.5 sacks, and two pass defenses on the season.

They also still have veteran Rakeem Nunez-Roches. Better known as “Nacho,” Nunez-Roches made four starts for the Giants in 2023 and totaled 26 combined tackles and one tackle for loss. He might have to play a larger role this upcoming season as the one veteran player contending for this starting job.

Jordon Riley could step into a starting role

Riley has a chance to be selected for the No. 2 starting interior defensive lineman position because there isn’t much competition. Riley was selected by the Giants in the seventh round of the 2017 NFL Draft, however he only saw 136 defensive snaps in his rookie campaign. Despite playing little and showing promise in the preseason, he finished with eight combined tackles and one tackle for loss.

Riley turned in a stellar performance against the Carolina Panthers last preseason that had fans excited about his potential and future

In 2024, Riley could see an increase in playing time whether he wins the starting job or not due to the team’s lack of depth on the interior. Unless the Giants make a late offseason addition through free agency, Riley will probably be in the team’s defensive line rotation and utilized as a priority backup if he does not become the starter.