For the second straight year, the New York Giants have made a big move before the trade deadline. Last year, we saw wideout Kadarius Toney depart to the Kansas City Chiefs for a third-round pick and sixth-round pick in the 2023 draft. This time, the Giants traded defensive lineman Leonard Williams to the Seattle Seahawks for a 2024 second-round pick along with a 2025 fifth-round pick. So, now what?
Replacing Leonard Williams
When the trade took place, the first person I thought of was Dexter Lawrence. He and Williams formed a solid duo on the defensive front, while also becoming best friends off the field. It was heartbreaking to see them separate with Williams heading to Seattle, and things will never be the same.
However, from a football standpoint, it’s next man up.
New York has guys that may not replicate Williams’ play on the field, but will serve as solid interior replacements. For one, you have A’Shawn Robinson. Signed in free agency, he should play more than 50% of snaps (like he did in week three against San Francisco). Statistically, he’s recorded just 18 tackles and two tackles for loss. He is known for his solid play on run defense. But, there are struggles with his pass rushing. His lack of explosiveness is the main culprit.
Another guy who should get more playing time is Rakeem Nunez-Roches. Another free-agent addition this past offseason, he has not seen the field much but that should change now. He has seen less than 50% of snaps in every game this season, and has just nine tackles on the year. Like Robinson, he is great against the run but his pass-rushing skills are minimal.
Now, it’s not like Williams was a great pass rusher in his own right. Recording just 1.5 sacks through eight games isn’t the best. But, there was potential with Williams in terms of his pass-rushing ability. None of that exists with Robinson or Nunez-Roches, which is a concern.
The Young Bucks
Two other players could step up and also replace Williams’ production. 2022 fifth-rounder D.J. Davidson is one to watch. He has just half a sack this season and mostly played on special teams. However, there is potential for him as a pass-rusher with his energetic style of play. His most notable play was his pass deflection of quarterback Brock Purdy this year in week three. Still just 26 years old, there’s a possibility he can be a solid contributor for the Giants.
Another guy who I am excited to see is Jordon Riley. A mostly unknown pick in the seventh round this year, there wasn’t much of a scouting report of him during the draft. He’s been inactive for six of the eight games this year. But, his time at Oregon saw him be a solid run defender and his size is appealing (6’5″, 338 lbs).
Giants 7th round DT Jordon Riley had himself a game stopping the run last night
— Bobby Skinner (@BobbySkinner_) August 19, 2023
-Split a double team for a run stop
-4th & 1 drives OL back & makes turnover on downs run stop
-TFL swimming off the backside of a zone block pic.twitter.com/tiFpyVZaeB
His play in the preseason was eye-popping, and we’ll see if this can be replicated as he gets more playing time.
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