As the New York Giants prepare for the 2026 season under new defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson, Mike Jones of The Athletic notes that one critical question looms large: Who replaces Dexter Lawrence on the interior?
Wilson inherits two talented edge rushers in Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeau, but he has a gaping hole in the middle of his defense following New York’s trading of Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals earlier this offseason. The Giants surrendered an NFC-worst 145.3 rushing yards per game. So they’re hoping the offseason additions of DJ Reader, Shelby Harris and ascending Darius Alexander can team up to help fortify the heart of their defensive front. But this could be a work in progress.
The trade of Lawrence, an All-Pro nose tackle, netted the Giants valuable draft capital that helped reshape the roster, but it left a significant void in run defense. Wilson, a former Ravens assistant under head coach John Harbaugh with prior success as the Titans’ defensive coordinator, brings fresh schemes and a track record of developing talent.
To address the loss, the Giants have built depth through a rotation led by veteran run-stuffer DJ Reader, who impressed early with his physicality and “get-off-the-bus” mentality.
Shelby Harris and Darius Alexander add experience and upside, respectively, aiming to create a formidable group by committee. Success hinges on Wilson’s ability to integrate these pieces quickly during training camp and the preseason.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: One question facing New York Giants’ Dennard Wilson in 2026
Reporting by Dan Benton, Giants Wire / Giants Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Dan Benton, Giants Wire | USA TODAY Network
