​With training camp now less than a month away, the New York Giants are enjoying a brief summer break, but fans are eager for fresh content about the team. Today, we start our camp prep by highlighting three defensive players who should not be overlooked this summer.
Darius Alexander, a third-round pick (65th overall) in the 2025 NFL draft, has slipped behind the post-Dexter Lawrence influx of free agents and rookies. Yet he is listed as one of the three starters on the defensive line, alongside veterans D.J. Reader and Shelby Harris. Alexander is a proven talent who posted 20 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and a defended pass across 16 games (two starts) last season. He’s viewed as an ascending player, though the new coaching staff could reframe that trajectory. He’ll need to stand out to maintain his starting role, but the front office still regards him as a building block.
Tyler Nubin, a second-round selection in 2024 (47th overall), could emerge as a breakout defender for the Giants if he can stay healthy. He’s missed four games in each of his first two seasons but has accumulated 176 total tackles in 26 games. At 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds, Nubin’s physical style fits coordinator Dennard Wilson’s scheme. The Giants brought back Jason Pinnock to push Nubin in camp and serve as insurance if he’s sidelined again. It will be interesting to see him unleashed in the box this summer to leverage his strengths.
Dru Phillips, the Giants’ 2024 third-rounder (70th overall), spent last season shuffled within Shane Bowen’s defense. He totaled 66 tackles (49 solo), 12 passes defensed, two interceptions, and a fumble recovery in 17 games, after notching 71 tackles in 14 games as a rookie in 2024. Phillips is expected to be used effectively in Wilson’s scheme, likely at slot and nickel corner to maximize his skill set. He’ll compete with free agent Ar’Darius Washington and rookie Colton Hood for snaps in what should be a highly competitive training camp.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: 3 defensive players New York Giants fans shouldn’t sleep on.