Looking at the top 2021 NFL Draft needs for the New York Giants

1. Edge Rusher

The New York Giants defensive line was much better this past season. The line racked up 40 sacks this season compared to 36 a season ago. A huge part of that has to do with a career revival from Leonard Williams.  Williams was able to lead the defense with 11.5 sacks, a career-high for him.

Williams is set to be a free agent, unless the Giants franchise tag him for the second consecutive year or sign him to a long term deal. Even if the Giants can retain Williams, which they should, the unit could still use a speedy edge rusher.

Often times this season, New York relied on bullying their way through the offensive line with the trio of Williams, Dalvin Tomlinson, and Dexter Lawerence. This scheme led to quarterbacks normally having more time to throw. And, at times with quicker quarterbacks, like Kyler Murray and Lamar Jackson, it led to them getting to the outside and picking up extra yards on scrambles.

The New York Giants need someone to contain the edge and make the quarterback uncomfortable more quickly.

There are multiple ways for the Giants to upgrade at the position. Lorenzo Carter is set to return from injury next season. Matthew Judon (six sacks in 14 games) and Yannick Ngakoue (eight sacks in 15 games) are possible free agent targets for the team. The G-men can also look to the draft where there is a solid group of edge rushers. Gregory Rousseau, Kwity Paye and Azeez Ojulari stand tall as possible 2021 NFL Draft targets for the team.