The New York Giants landed Janoris Jenkins earlier today and now they have bolstered their defensive line, adding Damon Harrison to play alongside Johnathan Hankins. Harrison instantly upgrades the Giants’ defensive line and gives them one of the best run-stoppers in the NFL.
Harrison, 27, has been the top rated run defender over the last three years according to Pro Football Focus. He recorded 72 total tackles including eight tackles for loss last season and 39 solo tackles. He was a major reason why the New York Jets defense place second against the run last year. By comparison, the Giants ranked 24th against the run, allowing 1,942 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Everyone expected the Giants to be big players in free agency on defense after they finished dead last in the NFL with 6,725 yards allowed, an average of 420.3 yards per game and ranked 30th with 27.6 points per game allowed. Harrison will go a long way towards improving the Giants, especially against the run, and open things up for Hankins who can be more of a dual threat now. Hankins did have seven sacks in 2014, so he is capable of providing an inside rush as long as he has help.
The Giants are getting Harrison cheaply, reportedly somewhere between $8-9 million per year. They already made Jenkins the second-highest paid cornerback in the NFL, so GM Jerry Reese is obviously going all in as the Giants try to get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2012. They are still rumored to be pursuing Olivier Vernon as well, so this could be the offseason that puts the Giants back into contention.
