Defensive Coordinator: Steve Spagnuolo ***
Spagnuolo returns to his home, where he gained fame. After winning Super Bowl XLII against the Patriots with an incredible defensive line, he began a journey through the league that has brought him back to square one. His signing suggests that the team wants to recover that infernal pressure from the line that is sorely missed in the Giants.
Defensive Star: Jason Pierre-Paul
The biggest beneficiary of Spagnuolo's return could be JPP, called to be a terror for opposing QBs but who needs to regain his star credentials after a spectacular start to his career.
Defensive Line ****
The defensive line of these Giants stands out mainly for being unbalanced. The depth and quality on the ends is immense with two elite defensive ends. Jason Pierre-Paul has not reached the expected level in recent seasons, but based on potential and qualities, he is an elite player in the competition. A recovered Robert Ayers returns, who has always been a more than reliable player, and there is also plenty of depth with Damontre Moore or Owamagbe Odighizuwa, a great project coming from the draft. With all of them, the Giants can establish a rotation system that exhausts their opponents. However, the interior of the line was one of the dark spots of the defense in 2014 and it doesn't seem to have improved much, although it is true that it includes Johnathan Hankins, who is one of the most underrated players in the NFL when analyzing his real production.
Linebackers **
The New York Giants have great depth in several of their positions, and the same is true for the linebacker corps. Both in the middle with Jon Beason and Mark Herzlich, and on the strong side with Devon Kennard and Jameel McClain, there is enough depth. But the same doesn't happen on the weak side, so the addition of JT Thomas from the Jaguars could be important. His athleticism is something that the Giants needed in the linebacker line. Jon Beason was a star competing with Patrick Willis to be the best interior linebacker in the competition. Continuous injuries have hindered him. If he manages to stay healthy, he will be a player who provides leadership and makes a difference under the orders of Steve Spagnuolo. Devon Kennard was a pleasant surprise. He was a fifth-round pick in 2014 and not much was expected from him in his debut, but as the season progressed, so did his performance.
Cornerbacks ***
Here we find a unit with experience and quality. Amukamara is also a player who, by characteristics, could make the definitive leap this season to become an elite cornerback in the NFL. Rodgers Cromartie may have some flaws, but having him on the squad ensures someone proven in the competition and capable of performing. Finally, Jayron Hosley resembles Cromartie in terms of characteristics, but he has not lived up to expectations in many games and has had off-field issues. He provides depth to a unit that may benefit from the arrival of Collins as a strong safety. The rookie will be important as a foundation for the performance of the rest of the secondary.
Safeties **
The selection of Landon Collins in the second round of this draft was a gift for the Giants, who not only need presence and dynamism in the position, but also leadership. Collins combines both characteristics and enough motivation to improve. Nat Berhe and Cooper Taylor are not free safeties but they will have to alternate as starters in this position. Unlike them, Mykkele Thompson is a FS and as a rookie, he may be important.
Special Teams *****
Steve Weatherford physically breaks the stereotype of lightweight punters, a true beast who also helped the Giants win a Super Bowl with a memorable game against the Patriots. Josh Brown is a reliable worker who has found his place on the Giants roster. The returners group has received a huge improvement with the addition of Dwayne Harris, one of the best specialists, who also comes from a divisional rival like Dallas.