Projecting the New York Giants’ starting defense for 2024 season | Sporting News

The New York Giants will have a new face running the defense in 2024.

After dramatically parting ways with Wink Martindale this offseason, the Giants brought in Shane Bowen to take over as the new defensive coordinator.

Bowen’s defense will differ from Matindale’s in several ways. He won’t have the Giants blitzing as much, instead relying on a four-man rush while implementing a lot of twists.

The secondary is going to be more zone-heavy with match principles mixed in as well. 

With a few new pieces on the defensive line and in the secondary, there are equal parts optimism and concern when it comes to the Giants defense.

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We already looked at the offensive side of the ball, projecting what the starting lineup might look like for the Daniel Jones-led unit.

Here’s how the starting lineup for the Giants defense in nickel packages projects ahead of training camp:

New York Giants starting defense projection for 2024

EDGE: Brian Burns

Expect Burns to see a lot of looks from the Wide-9 alignment, which should provide him ample opportunities to get after the quarterback

Nose Tackle: Dexter Lawrence

The engine of the entire defense. It’s not often the nose tackle holds this role but as Lawrence goes, the Giants defense goes.

3T Defensive Tackle: Rakeem Nunez-Roches

There will be a pretty heavy rotation at the other defensive tackle spot, and it won’t always be from the 3-technique. But Nunez-Roches seems to have the starting spot right now.

EDGE: Kayvon Thibodeaux

With Burns on the other side and Lawrence on the interior, the Giants expect a big leap from Thibodeaux in Year 3.

WILL: Micah McFadden

It will be interesting to see how McFadden fares in the new defensive scheme. He was productive under Wink Martindale and will be the running mate Bobby Okereke to begin the season.

MIKE: Bobby Okereke

Another intriguing player to watch, Okereke found his groove during the second half of the season. His role in the middle of Shane Bowen’s defense will be vital.

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Cornerback: Deonte Banks

Going into Year 2, the entire Giants defense can take a step forward if Banks makes the expected leap.

Cornerback: Cor’Dale Flott

Entering training camp, Flott is the starting cornerback on the boundary opposite Banks. After failed attempts in the slot, the former third-round pick has the inside track to the starting role.

Slot Cornerback: Andru Phillips

Right now, Phillips should be the projected nickel defender. The Giants also will use Isaiah Simmons in a hybrid safety/linebacker role so he could see time in dime packages as well.

Strong Safety: Tyler Nubin

It’s only a matter of time before the rookie takes over as the starter. His high-level instincts and exceptional ball skills should serve well in Bowen’s defense.

Free Safety: Jason Pinnock

Pinnock is the best option the Giants have at free safety. The former fifth-round pick allowed a 79.4 passer rating in coverage during the 2023 season, according to Pro Football Focus.

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