20 Questions in 20 Days

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20 Questions in 20 Days: Competitions to watch (defense)

Jul 18, 2026 at 05:50 AM

John Schmeelk

Giants.com

Giants.com is counting down the start of training camp with 20 questions in 20 days.

10) What are the competitions to watch on defense?

John Schmeelk: There is going to be competition all over the defense, whether it is for a starting job or backup role. Here are the spots I am watching in order of impact.

Defensive Tackle: I think we all believe DJ Reader could be one of the starters, but who will be the second one? If the team is playing in base personnel, they will need three interior defensive linemen. Darius Alexander will be in the mix as a potential three-technique that turns 26 in his second year. Veterans Shelby Harris, Leki Fotu, Zacch Pickens, Josh Tupou, and Sam Roberts will be in the mix for potential playing time along with some younger players. The Giants want to be better against the run, and this is where it starts.

Cornerback: Who will the second outside cornerback be? Greg Newsome II, Deonte Banks and rookie Colton Hood all had their moments in the spring, and I expect all of them to have a chance to earn playing time in the summer. All three players want to be physical and press near the line of scrimmage, so their styles should make them interchangeable.

Safety: The incumbents are Tyler Nubin and Jevón Holland, but what role will Ar'Darius Washington and Jason Pinnock going to play? How frequently do the Giants play three safeties with one sliding into the slot? Or does Dru Phillips play that spot full time? It is something worth watching.

Outside Linebacker: Do the Giants keep another edge rusher besides Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Abdul Carter and Chauncey Golston? If they do, it will have to be a special teams-heavy role. Does Caleb Murphy, Trace Ford or Khalid Kareem do enough to force their way onto the roster?

Inside Linebacker: Assuming the top three inside linebackers are Tremaine Edmunds, Arvell Reese and Micah McFadden, who are the fourth and fifth backers? Darius Muasau is a favorite given his youth and how much he played last year, but can rookie Jack Kelly work himself up the depth chart? Or does a veteran like Zaire Barnes or Cam Jones force his way onto the roster for his special teams ability?