Tyler Nubin is framed as the Giants’ future catalyst by Brandon Brown, who calls him an alpha of alphas though he isn’t a captain yet. Dexter Lawrence remains the defense’s heartbeat, with Okereke as a captain and Nubin identified to grow into leadership. Nubin vows to stay true to himself while pursuing more turnovers in 2025, aided by Jevon Holland’s praise.

His rookie year yielded zero interceptions after Minnesota clips of 13 picks and 11 PDs; he’s focused on the learning curve, working to position himself for more takeaways as the unit stabilizes around him.

McFadden’s 107 tackles in 14 games last season cemented him as the Giants’ steady run-stopper and a quietly influential defender. In 2025, he’s chasing a starter’s role and a contract extension, insisting that open eyes come from consistent, high-standard play rather than external praise.

The Giants’ defense surrounds him with Dexter Lawrence II, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Bobby Okereke, Paulson Adebo, and Abdul Carter, forming a more formidable front and back end as they claw back toward respectability. McFadden’s leadership and continued productivity sit at the center of a squad hoping to bolster the run defense and elevate the entire unit.

Giants sign Chauncey Golston to a three-year, $18 million deal after his best NFL season (5.5 sacks, 56 tackles) with Dallas, but Abdul Carter’s No. 3 overall pick in 2025 makes the edge/DT rotation crowded. Golston insists he’ll play wherever he’s needed and bring versatility to a defense chasing improvement. The move sets up a high-upside front with Carter’s development as a focal point.

With Golston, Carter, Thibodeaux and Burns on board, New York leans into a multi-position defense. Dexter Lawrence II anchors the interior, aided by Roy Robertson-Harris and Darius Alexander, while Parsons-type comparisons for Carter spark optimism about a feared rush. The unit’s growth hinges on how quickly Carter adapts and how Golston leverages his adaptability to maximize snaps.