2 Giants on NFL Network’s top 100 players list

Two members of the New York Giants defense, tackle Dexter Lawrence (No. 24) and edge defender Brian Burns (No. 55) have been voted to the NFL+ ‘Top 100 players of 2024’ list.

The only defensive tackle who will be higher on the list than Lawrence is Chris Jones of the Kansas City Chiefs. Jones will be in the top 20, which has yet to be released.

Of Lawrence, NFL.com said:

Lawrence remains a constant on the defensive line for a Giants squad still looking to find consistency. The numbers don’t initially jump off the page — Lawrence had 53 tackles, 4.5 sacks and two pass deflections in 2023 — but he was nonetheless a dominant force in the trenches. Lawrence’s 92.9 was the highest overall PFF grade for any interior defensive lineman, as was his 92.6 pass-rush grade. His run defense graded out at 89.5, third among his peers.

Burns the two-time Pro Bowl edge defender the Giants are counting on to help their pass rush, was No. 55. Defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, a player the Giants considered chasing in free agency, was No. 58.

NFL.com said:

Even through the Panthers’ struggles in 2023, Burns remained a stalwart on the defense, leading the team with eight sacks to go with 18 quarterback hits, 16 tackles for loss, two passes defensed and a forced fumble. He has never had fewer than 7.5 sacks in any of his five seasons and has 46 total since entering the league. Now after a trade to the Giants, the player who calls himself Spider-Man will take his pass rush talents to New York.

Left off the list

At his best, Andrew Thomas is one of the best five left tackles in the NFL. As such, he would belong on this list. Between a hamstring injury that sidelined him for roughly half the 2023 season and a knee injury that limited his effectiveness when he did play, Thomas was not at his best a season ago.

If he stays healthy this season, perhaps we see the big left tackle on the list next year.

Ascending?

If the Giants are going to become a true contender, they need more difference-making players, and more players on this list.

Two players who could be candidates for the top 100 list a year from now if they perform the way the Giants hope they will in 2024 are edge defender Kayvon Thibodeaux and rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers.