Giants Defense Then (2021 & 2023) VS Now (2025)

Coach Burn has been rehired for the third time in 4 cycles by the New York Giants. He has had mixed success with these Giants in the past. His Giants of 2021 and 2023 are different teams then the one he has now. They do have some of the same players as before, however, a lot has changed with this roster. In this article we will take a look at which players are still here, if they are any better than they were, and which players are new at each position. Left End: Dexter Lawrence (2021), A’shawn Robinson (2023), Brian Burns (2025) Burns came over in a trade last season and has been a force for the NFL Giants. He is one of the few superstars on the team and will need to keep that status up in order for them to succeed this season. The hope is that he has a double digit season and gets blessed with the superstar x factor status. Burns is a clear upgrade. Defensive Tackle: Danny Shelton (2021), Dexter Lawrence (2023), Dexter Lawrence (2025) Lawrence is the heart of the defense and is a pass rushing monster. He lost his inside stuff ability, but it was replaced with more pass rushing abilities. He will see most of the double teams in the game which will free up the other pass rushers for 1-1 opportunities. He is a major problem for opposing offenses and even being double teamed, can still get to the quarterback. Right End: Leonard Williams (2021), Leonard Williams (2023), Abdul Carter (2025) Carter is the Giants prized rookie and he has some high expectations this season. He is playing on the same line as two superstars and will look to take advantage of it. The hope is that with the focus on the other players, he will skate by and be able to get his fair share of sacks. Coach Burn is looking for him to shine and become the NFC defensive rookie of the year. Williams wasn't a bad player but Carter being a superstar starting out makes him a clear upgrade. Left Outside Linebacker: Lorenzo Carter (2021), Azeez Ojulari (2023), Kayvon Thibodeaux (2025) Thin was the Giants rookie linebacker from a few years ago, however, hasn't lived up to expectations. He is a pass rushing linebacker, however, coach Burn wants to get in on the field as much as possible and will develop him into someone who can play both positions. Ironically all of these players are about the same Madden wise but I would have to give Thib the upgrade due to his pass rushing attributes. Middle Linebacker: Blake Martinez (2021), Bobby Okereke (2023), Bobby Okereke (2025) Okereke is still here and while he hasn't been the overarching commander of the bunch, he has been the best linebacker the Giants have had in years and is a nice player to build young players around. Right Outside Linebacker: Azeez Ojulari (2021), Kayvon Thibodeaux (2023), Micah McFadden (2025) McFadden is one of those decent linebackers who serve their purpose but there isn't anything special about him. He has decent speed, tackling, and coverages but he isn't going to wow anyone. This is his last year contracted with the team so he will need to make some plays to get another contract. At this point though, he does come higher rated than Thib was two years ago. Cornerback: James Bradberry (2021), Adoree Jackson (2023), Paulson Adebo (2025) Adebo was the big splash free agent this season and he was brought in to be the number guy. He is supposed to be able to follow the opposing number one receiver and ensure they aren't a factor in the game. It will be a tough task but this is why he's being paid so well. This was an upgrade and hes one of the better corners the Giants have had in a while. Adoree Jackson (2021), Deonte Banks (2023), Dru Phillips (2025) Phillips had a wonderful rookie season and was promoted to the second cornerback on the team. He isn't the fastest guy but with 90 speed he should be able to keep up with most receivers in the league. This is an overall upgrade over Banks minus the speed. Keion Crossen (2021), Aaron Robinson (2023) Deonte Banks, (2025) Banks coverage abilities can be considered a liability on the field, however, he possesses the speed to not let guys just run by him. He will be built into a winner and after one season, hopefully the Giants will have a trio of young corners that will last the cycle. Banks is an upgrade at slot corner, which shows you how bad the corners have truly been. Free Safety: Logan Ryan (2021), Xavier Mckinney (2023), Jevon Holland (2025) The Giants needed a safety on this team badly and they brought in the best one of free agency this off-season. Holland is the best player in the secondary at an 83 overall which is good and bad. He, himself can hold his own but if the defensive line can't get a pass rush the rest of the secondary is going to burn, especially in man coverage. The Giants let Mckinney walk in free agency two seasons ago and finally brought in a top replacement for him. He is an upgrade. Strong Safety: Jabrill Peppers(2021), Isaiah Simmons(2023), Tyler Nubin (2025) Nubin was a rookie last year and had a good enough season to make him the starter. He has the size to be a good safety in the league but his 87 speed, 85 acceleration is really hurting him in this Madden. He can play sub linebacker and that is a saving grace. Ideally, coach burn would like him to be faster and may opt to use Belton over him at this position. For Madden purposes, he is a downgrade over Simmons as Simmons was perfect for Madden. The Giants 2021 defense had a decent amount of speed, however, the 2023 Giants had one of the fastest teams in the league on paper. This defense has some fast and good players but the secondary is missing that elite shutdown guy and if the defensive line doesn't get to the quarterback it may spell trouble in the long run.