Darius Alexander, the 2025 third-round pick, showed promise as a rookie with 3.5 sacks and four tackles for loss in 16 games, but he remains unproven as a full-time starter. Veteran depth includes Roy Robertson-Harris, whose contributions have been solid but not consistently impactful.
The Giants also added Sam Roberts on a one-year deal, yet he isn’t regarded as a reliable starter to anchor the middle. That leaves the interiorDT room short of a true, game-ready presence at this stage.
Interest from the team’s top edge rusher underlines the urgency. Brian Burns has advocated for a veteran, proven presence to stabilize the front, and New York has hosted veteran defensive tackles such as D.J. Reader and Shelby Harris on visits. Reader, in particular, would bring immediate impact, with projections suggesting a two-year, $7.7 million contract as a plausible path.
Looking ahead to the 2026 draft, the Giants may explore second-round options around pick 37, where players like Peter Woods and Kayden McDonald could be targeted. The team also hosted Texas Tech DT Lee Hunter, who could be available at No. 37. Even with plans to add a rookie, a veteran addition would help maintain the ready-to-win mentality instilled by the coaching staff.
In short, the Giants should pursue an experienced interior presence that fits their scheme and budget, heeding the call from their star pass rusher to stabilize the middle as they seek to return to contention.
