Heading into the 2021 season, the Giants have a much-improved roster on both sides of the ball and are looking to finally make their way back to the playoffs and become a Super Bowl contender once again.

In this series, we’ll break down every position group on the depth chart for Big Blue. This time, we’ll go in depth on the inside linebackers…

Projected Depth Chart

RILB: Blake Martinez, Tae Crowder
WLB: Lorenzo Carter, Devante Downs
Depth: Reggie Ragland, TJ Brunson

- Key Additions/Losses: Lost David Mayo, lost Ryan Connelly, Signed Ragland

- Top 2020 Performer: Martinez – 151 tackles, 3.0 sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, five passes defended, one interception

What the ILBs have going for them

Martinez is the definition of a tackling machine. He’s had over 140 tackles in four straight seasons now, and he’s totaled 155 and 151 tackles in two season with New York thus far.

Having that skill up the middle is a reason why the Giants are so good against the run recently because it is very hard to get passed Martinez when he’s barreling down into the line.

On the other side of him should be Carter this season, as he moves off the edge and into the middle. The Giants don’t really have a choice there considering Mayo and Connelly are both off the team now compared to how they started the 2020 campaign.

Ragland does join the group and the former Alabama Crimson Tide member is someone that Joe Judge is well aware of. Also, Crowder, Downs and Brunson all contributed last season in solid ways, with Crowder in particular being a good addition as Mr. Irrelevant and having some good defensive and special teams reps.

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