giantswire.usatoday.com/2018/08/07/new-y...
While most eyes are on New York Giants rookie running back Saquon Barkley early, and rightfully so, the team boasts several other first-year players that will also be worth watching.
For one, B.J. Hill is one who could be a possible starter on the defensive line. Another rookie who is looking to get significant playing time is linebacker and edge rusher Lorenzo Carter.
Carter was the Giants’ third-round pick out of Georgia and is also in line to potentially start at outside linebacker.
Speaking to the media on Monday, Giants defensive coordinator James Bettcher said that Carter is one player who has consistently stood out on the field and on tape.
“I’ll tell you a guy that’s had a couple good practices is [Lorenzo Carter],” Bettcher said. “Lorenzo’s really had a couple of good practices and as in any rookie, the challenge is to stack them — it’s not to have one day in flash, it’s to have two days and, OK, let’s go correct what we’ve got to correct, then as a young guy, do we see when you go to the field, do we see those corrections happen and do we see it continue to get better? So, we’re looking for a third day in a row from him. He’s had some on and off days, he’s had two pretty good days in a row, and we’re looking for a third good day today.”
The Giants lacked a pass rush last season and struggled overall on defense; things that ultimately led to major changes. Part of that was bringing in Bettcher to replace Steve Spagnuolo and use his 3-4 base defensive system.
In Bettcher’s 3-4 system, Carter is expected to excel. However, his learning curve appears to be shorter than it is for most rookies, which means nothing but good things for Bettcher, the Giants and their pass rush.
