ESPN’s Matt Bowen listed his ‘perfect scheme fits for top 2020 NFL free agents‘ this week and his pick for the New York Giants is an obvious one — Seattle Seahawks edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney.
“Clowney had only three sacks in 13 games with the Seahawks last season, but his 41 quarterback pressures ranked 14th in the league,” writes Bowen. “There is some serious talent here. And with his straight-line burst, power and ability to play in multiple fronts, Clowney has the traits to be a disruptive force for the Giants. Give him a multiyear deal here to fill a major need for a New York defensive front that couldn’t get home to the quarterback in 2019. The Cardinals, Jets and Titans are great fits for Clowney too, but the bidding for his services will be high.”
Interesting and likely true except for one little nuance. The Giants haven’t revealed their defensive scheme as of yet.
Head coach Joe Judge and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham have not indicated if their defense will be a 3-4 or a 4-3. Perhaps they waiting to see how the Leonard Williams scenario plays out and who they can land in free agency.
Clowney can play wherever they need him to play, so where he lines up won’t be the determining factor. He can play defensive end or outside linebacker. The Giants have two young outside linebackers in Lorenzo Carter and Oshane Ximines, so Clowney might asked to put his hand in the dirt.
No one is really sure what the plan is. If the Giants select linebacker Isaiah Simmons in the NFL Draft, they’ll have to figure out what to do with him as well. Many feel it’s wise to wait see how the roster shapes up before deciding on a scheme rather than the reverse where you try to force players that don’t fit into a system.
[lawrence-related id=642035,642049,642042]