Giants Edge Rushers Tease Potential for 2025

Trading for Burns after extending Dexter Lawrence and drafting Thibodeaux with a top-five pick was a move that meant New York would be led by its pass rush. For a short while, it worked. The Giants led the league in sacks for a portion of the year. However, injuries eventually took hold.

That missed time shouldn’t diminish the unit’s prospects in 2025.

For better or worse, Burns is the player New York acquired in March – a non-elite but well-above-average edge rusher who can earn some attention and take advantage of resources sent towards other linemen. Having him as the headliner to the unit is an undeniable strength.

Thibodeaux deserves praise, too. He struggled over his first two seasons in the league, falling short of expectations and his own production. In Year 3, his peripherals showed legitimate growth, rising toward the top of both Pro Football Focus’ and ESPN’s win-rate statistics.

There’s more development necessary, but 2024 was a big step in the right direction and probably enough to confidently accept his fifth-year option, too.

Ojulari’s season was more concerning. As a third edge rusher forced into more playing time when Thibodeaux went down with a hand injury, he struggled as the season rolled on before eventually missing the final six games of the year. His production was more encouraging (six sacks) but the peripherals and run defense lagged behind.

He’ll likely hit the open market – a knock on Schoen for not trading him – but remains an option as a rotational rusher should he re-sign.

New York didn’t ask (or receive) much from its bottom-roster depth. Boogie Basham, who has since signed with the Carolina Panthers, flashed in limited action. Tomon Fox is serviceable depth who isn’t a lock on next year’s roster.

While staying healthy for a full 17-game slate would have been optimal, the Giants got what they needed from Burns and Thibodeaux to consider the position group a success in 2024.

Grade: B+