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Why Giants Defense Might Be Better Than You Think

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Why Giants Defense Might Be Better Than You Think

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Craig Ellenport | Last updated Jun 29, 2026 3:41 PM ET

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With the hiring of new head coach John Harbaugh and the presence of three exciting players on offense, the New York Giants and their fans are approaching the 2026 NFL season with renewed optimism. One rival scout, however, is quick to point out that it’s the Giants’ defense that might be the story this season.

After going 4-13 last season and posting just one winning season in the last nine years, optimism has been rare. Harbaugh, who won 193 games in 18 years as head coach of the Baltimore Ravens (including playoffs), has already begun changing the team culture. And the trio of quarterback Jaxson Dart, running back Cam Skattebo and wide receiver Malik Nabers has shown the potential to be an explosive bunch.

The defense, meanwhile, ranked 26th in scoring and 28th in total defense last season, allowing 25.8 points and 359.5 yards per game — and its best player, defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, was traded to the Cincinnati Bengals in the offseason after a contract dispute.

Despite those setbacks, one rival scout, speaking anonymously, had some positive things to say about this unit.

“Signing heavyweight nose tackle D.J. Reader and veteran Shelby Harris helps make up for the trade of Dexter Lawrence,” the scout said. The comments were part of the exclusive Giants scouting report that can be found in the Athlon Sports 2026 NFL Preview magazine, which is available now online and at newsstands.

New York Giants linebacker Arvell Reese answers questions from the press after minicamp activities at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. (Credit: Thomas Salus-Imagn Images)

If Reader and Harris can at least help bolster the run defense, New York’s pass rush will be in good hands. Linebacker Brian Burns led the team with 16.5 sacks last season, tops in the NFC. Abdul Carter, the third overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, was second on the team with just 4.0 sacks. Arvell Reese, the fifth overall pick in this year’s draft, likely will be used both as an off-ball linebacker and a pass rusher.

“Brian Burns’ pass-rushing skills are practically unparalleled,” the scout said. “Edge rusher Arvell Reese has size, strength and growth in front of him as a pass-rusher working in his favor. … The Giants need Abdul Carter to keep getting better.”

One of the reasons Reese may be used in the pass rush more than he was at Ohio State is because the Giants also signed a veteran off-ball linebacker in free agency. After five seasons with the Buffalo Bills and then three with the Chicago Bears, Tremaine Edmunds signed a three-year deal worth $36 million this offseason.

“Signing Tremaine Edmunds gives the Giants an imposing inside linebacker who can run,” the scout said.

That leaves the secondary, which was a glaring weakness for the Giants last season. They signed veteran Paulson Adebo last offseason, and he is the team’s best cover corner. Cordale Flott, who started 14 games for New York last season, left via free agency. New to the group are veteran free-agent signing Greg Newsome II and second-round rookie Colton Hood.

“The secondary is in the solid category,” was the scout’s assessment.

The 2025 Giants defense was feast or famine. It held five opponents to 18 points or less… but it also allowed 33 or more points on six occasions.

Based on the positive spin from this rival scout, there should be fewer of those 30-plus-point games in 2026.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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