You’ve probably read about offensive “triplets” in the NFL, a term that began back in the 1990s when the Dallas Cowboys had three future Hall of Famers in quarterback Troy Aikman, running back Emmitt Smith, and wide receiver Michael Irvin all on the field at the same time.
You very rarely hear about defensive triplets.
The folks at Sports Illustrated took the time to rank each NFL team by its “triplet” group as we head into the 2026 season. The New York Giants ranked 15th out of 32 teams.
15. New York Giants
Triplets: Brian Burns, Arvell Reese, Jevon Holland
The Giants’ stacked defensive front hasn’t been a fruitful one collectively, but Burns had a monster 2025 with 16.5 sacks. He’s the top edge rusher on a team with Abdul Carter and Kayvon Thibodeaux.
With that much depth at pass rusher, the versatile Reese will likely start his career as an off-ball linebacker, but he showed at Ohio State last year that he has plenty of upside as an edge rusher. Maybe coach John Harbaugh is the one to help this talented front reach its full potential in 2026.
Usually, the triplets on defense would consist of a player at each of the three levels. The Giants have two linebackers and a safety, although Burns is listed as a defensive end in some alignments.
The offseason trade of Pro Bowl interior lineman Dexter Lawrence has put the line in flux. The Giants have padded the roster with a slew of players — proven and unproven — who will form a rotation up front this year.
One player omitted from the analysis is inside linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, a former Pro Bowler who will wear the green dot on his helmet and call the defensive signals this season. He is likely to be the Giants’ leading tackler this season.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Where do New York Giants’ defensive triplets rank among NFL teams?
Reporting by John Fennelly, Giants Wire / Giants Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By John Fennelly, Giants Wire | USA TODAY Network
