There are very few things familiar to anyone in the NFL these days. For the New York Giants, that’s an even more accurate assessment.
In addition to adjusted protocols, virtual learning, social distancing and working out in an entirely different space, the team is welcoming a first-time head coach, a brand new offense, a brand new defense and a slew of new faces.
Remarkably, that leaves 26-year-old defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson, who is entering his fourth year, as the Giants’ longest-tenured defender.
“Everybody knows it’s a business. You have to be able to understand that coming in. I just keep my head down and focus on getting better each and every day and keep working. That’s all you can do,” Tomlinson told reporters on Thursday. “I’m just blessed to be in the position I’m in and be in this chair talking to you guys. Come in each and every day and don’t take a day for granted.”
Unlike many on the Giants who are basically starting from square one, Tomlinson has at least some familiarity with defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, who previously served as New York’s defensive line coach from 2016-2017.
“He is a great guy who has grown a lot. You can just tell it’s a lot of pretty much the same techniques. I always catch him coming into the D-line room and talking to us all the time. We are his favorite group, I guess you could say, because he used to be a D-line coach. He’s always teaching us different techniques that remind me of the stuff he used to teach my rookie year. A lot of great stuff going on and we just keep improving on the techniques he’s teaching us.”
Although Graham never coached at Alabama, Tomlinson says his defense has an Alabama feel to it, including a focus on being aggressive and disruptive in the middle.
“I feel like I am super aggressive on the inside. The scheme is fun. It reminds me of the Alabama defense and the Alabama days and the techniques I used to use and stuff like that,” Tomlinson said.
“I am super excited about the new defense. I want to be able to help in the run and pass game this year and just keep improving across the whole board. Help out and be disruptive in the middle as much as possible throughout the whole season.”
Even with the return of Markus Golden, the Giants are a bit thin when it comes to pass rushers. Needless to say, if Tomlinson can collapse the pocket and put some pressure on the quarterback in passing situations, it will go a long way in not only helping his teammates find opportunities, but will allow Graham to get creative in his play calling.
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