The New York Giants are undertaking a significant overhaul of their run defense, aiming to improve a unit that was among the league's worst last season. Despite subtracting a key player in nose tackle Dexter Lawrence, the team's leadership expressed confidence that strategic additions and scheme adjustments will fortify their ability to stop opposing rushing attacks. The defensive rebuild began with the signing of prominent free-agent linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and the drafting of linebacker Arnell Reese. Further strengthening the interior defense, the team signed veteran D.J. Reader and Shelby Harris.
Reader, whose primary responsibility is to prevent opponents from repeating last season's 5.31 yards per carry allowed, stated, "That’s the most important part of the game. That’s one of those things I take pride in as a nose guard. It’s part of the game that everybody can get involved in. It’s going to take everybody’s effort to build that wall, force things back inside to your bigger guys, let things roll up top to your corners who can tackle. If you’re bought in, you can stop the run."
Reader was frequently double-teamed last season, a similar situation to Lawrence, though Reader does not bring the same pass-rush threat. Lawrence recorded only 0.5 sacks over his final 22 games with the Giants. In training camp, the defensive line, with Reader at its center, has focused on penetrating the backfield on early downs to create turnovers, a task Reader believes will enable the edge rushers to more effectively pressure the quarterback.
"When you’ve got edges like how we have edges, I think you want to be able to stop the run," Reader said. "That way those guys can truly go get after the passer. Let the multitude of guys you have that can rush get after the quarterback, drop in coverage, play good pass defense."
The Giants are also employing versatility with players like edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux, who is being used as an interior defender in certain packages to increase speed on the field. Darius Alexander, a 2025 third-round pick, has reportedly made positive plays as a starter next to Reader during camp.
According to Pro Football Focus, Reader ranked 35th and Harris ranked 27th among interior run defenders last season. Together, they bring 283 games of combined NFL experience to the defensive line. Thibodeaux commented on the new additions, noting, "The OG’s, they definitely, they get out up front. They know what they need to do and why they were brought here."
Defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson, who previously held a role with the Titans, is tasked with replicating defensive success. The Giants are optimistic that the combination of new personnel and a focused approach will lead to a more formidable run defense. "The key is to make sure, first of all, that we all know our assignment," Edmunds said. "Now you put yourself in position to make a play. When the play presents itself, go make it. You’re not necessarily stressing, trying to get yourself out of position, but making sure you know what you’re doing."