New head coach Ben McAdoo inherited a team with plenty of holes, and general manager Jerry Reese needs a big offseason to move off the hot seat. The defense is entirely in shambles with a few big name players hitting free agency, and the offense has a few holes as well. Luckily for the Giants, the team has a franchise quarterback, so the most important piece of the puzzle is already in place. However, the rest of the roster probably needs more than one year to fix. For the purposes of this article, I will focus on the players only.
The 7 Biggest Problems for the New York Giants Heading into 2016
1. Defensive End
The Giants generated little to no pass rush for most of the season and that can largely be attributed to the play of the defensive ends. Obviously, the Jason Pierre-Paul accident did not help the situation, but the problem is more than that. Jason Pierre-Paul is a free agent now and the Giants have a big decision to make. The other starting defensive end, Robert Ayers, had some moments and accumulated 9.5 sacks but he is also a free agent and turns 31 in September. Both starters are free agents and the depth at the position is poor, so this unit needs a major overhaul. Damontre Moore was supposed to step up this year, but he was cut during the season. Owa Odighizuwa is largely an unknown after not playing much during his rookie year. Kerry Wynn and George Selvie were mediocre depth players at best, and Selvie is a free agent anyway. This unit will have to be addressed in both free agency and the draft.
2. Linebacker
This unit has questions at all three starting positions, but at least outside linebacker Devon Kennard looks like a long-term piece, as long as he stays healthy. The strongside linebacker position is very weak after him though. Middle linebacker Jon Beason is probably going to get cut this offseason because he can’t stay healthy. Jasper Brinkley and Uani’ Unga filled it decently at times, but neither are solutions at middle linebacker. J.T. Thomas showed flashes at weakside linebacker, but he also got injured and only played in 12 games. Jonathan Casillas was a solid backup at weakside linebacker, but certainly shouldn’t be relied upon as a starter. This unit probably should be addressed both in free agency and the draft, as an impact player is needed at middle linebacker and an insurance player for Devon Kennard at strongside linebacker is needed at least.
3. Offensive Line (Right Side)
The left side of the offensive line is very strong, as left tackle Ereck Flowers, left guard Justin Pugh, and center Weston Richburg are all long-term pieces. However, the right side is pretty scary. It’s safe to say that John Jerry and Marshall Newhouse are the worst possible right guard – right tackle combination in the entire league. Both should be backups, at best. Bobby Hart, Will Beatty, and Geoff Schwartz are other internal options, and certainly better options than Jerry and Newhouse, but Hart is largely unproven, Beatty is coming off his second major injury and may be cut because of his large contract, and Schwartz might be cut because he can’t stay healthy. If the Giants spend a second-round draft pick on a right guard, the line would be very good and the offense might actually be able to run the ball.
4. Wide Receiver
Odell Beckham Jr. is one of the best wide receivers in the league, but he desperately needs some help. Victor Cruz can’t be depended on after missing the entire season because of the major knee injury he suffered in 2014. Rueben Randle is a free agent and the Giants almost certainly won’t bring him back because of his lack of effort. Dwayne Harris is a decent receiver, but he can’t be the second option in the passing attack. He is a #3 wide receiver at best and probably better suited as the fourth wide receiver. Hakeem Nicks is washed up, and Myles White and Ben Edwards mostly just took up space because of injuries. Geremy Davis did not see much playing time as a rookie, but his development is important so he is one wild card to study closely in 2016. The Giants probably won’t be able to spend a high draft pick or acquire an expensive free agent to fill this hole because of the other problems, but cheaper options in free agency must be signed at least.
5. Free Safety
Landon Collins is a solid player, but he was exposed at times in coverage because he had to play free safety. He is a strong safety by every definition and he will be a good one. However, the other safeties on the roster are horrible and something needs to be done this offseason. Free agency is probably the best option because the higher draft picks need to address other holes and the last thing the Giants need is another project late-round safety.
6. Cornerback
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is a good cornerback, but Prince Amukamara is a free agent and with his extensive injury history, he may not be re-signed. If he leaves in free agency, a high draft pick or an expensive free agent must be signed to replace him. Furthermore, the nickel corner position needs to be upgraded, even if Prince stays. Depth at the position is very poor.
7. Defensive Tackle
Johnathan Hankins is a very good defensive tackle, and Jay Bromley might be a decent starter, but the depth is very poor even if Bromley pans out. Cullen Jenkins is about to be 35 and might retire. Barry Cofield is washed up and about to turn 32. Markus Kuhn is not good at all and the fact that he actually started a few games this year is embarrassing. When Hankins tore his pectoral muscle against the Buccaneers and missed the rest of the season, the interior defensive line couldn’t stop the run at all. Multiple players need to be brought in for depth at least.
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