Big Blue scouting Tide ‘D’ standouts
It comes as no surprise the Giants sent their top defensive coaches Tuesday to Tuscaloosa for the Alabama Pro Day, and it reinforces the desire and need for the franchise to get its defense back to playing at an acceptable level.
James Bettcher, the defensive coordinator, and defensive line coach Gary Emmanuel were part of the Giants’ contingent watching the Crimson Tide players, especially defense tackle Quinnen Williams, a top prospect in the draft.
The Giants own two picks in the first round, Nos. 6 and 17, and it is unlikely Williams will be there for the Giants, as he is projected to be a top-five pick.
If two quarterbacks, Kyler Murray and Dwayne Haskins, go in the first five selections, it pushes down two defensive players the Giants might be interested in. Though general manager Dave Gettleman wants to find the Giants’ next franchise quarterback, either in this draft or by trading for a younger player (Josh Rosen is an option), it is a strong possibility the Giants go defense with their first pick.
Williams is considered the best interior defensive lineman in this draft. The Giants need to add talent at every level of their defense, meaning a case can be made for edge rushers Josh Allen and Montez Sweat, and inside linebacker Devin White. Linemen Rashan Gary and Christian Wilkins will also be in the mix.
➤ The Giants made official the re-signing of longsnapper Zak DeOssie. Other than Eli Manning, DeOssie, 34, is the only remaining link to the Super Bowl victories after the 2007 and 2011 seasons.
DeOssie, originally a long-snapper and linebacker from Brown of the Ivy League, was a fourthround pick in 2007.