What current defensive player on the roster will make the biggest improvement with the new coaching staff? Thought of in another way, who are you most excited to see in this new defense. It will be interesting to see how the new coaching staff/GM evaluate our current roster. Do they think the D under performed or had better talent then they showed.
We have a new D Coordinator and new system. There is a good chance many of the players we already have will be used in a different way. The Cardinals, with our current coordinator wanted JPP to play in a 3-4. I also understand that some players will be coming off of injuries. Vernon could go through a whole season without getting injured. Apple could have a mental turnaround. Okwara showed some promise. How is Landon Collins going to be used?
I am probably most curious how JPP will be used but I think we may have already seen his best, back before the hand. I keep expecting great things from Vernon, but I do not have high hopes.
Although Collins is one year removed from being considered for the DPOY, I think he will thrive. I thought he was one of our best blitzers, but do not remember him blitzing as much this past season. I think, hope, this new staff will use him in a more disruptive way. He was still good last year so, it may not be the "biggest" improvement for instance if Okwara become a probowl player, but I think he will be in the running again for DPOY.
Defense:
Vernon, I think Vernon is going to have a career season under Bettcher. Bettcher is very good at utilizing his pass rushers. Runner up is Dalvin Tomlinson.
Alternative vote: Also if still here: Dennard.
Love the Bettcher hire.
Eli M because we'll be running a grown up offense.
Love the Bettcher hire.
I really think Andrew Adams while less physically gifted in terms of speed, had much better instincs and was around the ball more.
Maybe it was the fan hype around DT, but his first year starting was not good...and in order for the Giants to use Collins like they need to, the other Safety(ies) need to be able to cover and make the right reads.
That said, safety is not on my 'do not draft' list (wr is, for example).
Has just started to show what he can do. I think he was the best defensive player on the team, toward the end of the season.
If he keeps coming on strong, he just might make Eli Apple (and his neurotic behavior) a distant memory.