The New York Giants saw a disappointing draft pick agree to sign with a division rival on March 31, as the latest NFL free agency news reported that defensive lineman D.J. Davidson would be joining the Washington Commanders.
ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter relayed the news on X, confirming Davidson’s free agent departure.
Now, to be fair to the Giants, they were unlikely to re-sign Davidson anyway. But you still never want to see a bust draft pick join a division rival, just in case they manage to turn things around with their new organization.
Davidson was a fifth-round selection in 2022, which was the first draft under current general manager Joe Schoen. The former Arizona State product then stuck with Big Blue for the duration of his rookie contract, although he never made much of an impact.
Davidson registered just 2.5 sacks and 4 tackles for a loss over 47 regular season appearances. He was also credited with 2 fumble recoveries, 3 pass defenses, 3 QB hits, and 49 total tackles.
Like most of his failed draft picks, Schoen seemed hellbent on sticking with Davidson year after year, hoping for some sort of turnaround. That day never came, however, and since then, new head coach John Harbaugh has quickly made moves to replace subpar depth like this.
Expect the Giants to Continue Bulking Up the Defensive Line After the D.J. Davidson News
GettyThe New York Giants and defensive lineman D.J. Davidson have officially parted ways.
The Giants brought in defensive lineman Sam Roberts earlier this spring, so Davidson’s vacancy has already been filled, so to speak.
The front office also welcomed veteran Shelby Harris to town on a free agent visit, and a bigger signing like that could materialize after the NFL draft.
At this week’s league meetings, Schoen noted that the Giants are conscious of the compensatory pick formula. With those comments in mind, it’d make more sense for the team to wait to sign a veteran like Harris.
Assuming Harris is willing to wait, of course.
With only a month to go until May 1, the more patient approach is likely from this point on. Plus, that gives the Giants a chance to address the defensive line in the draft.
When the smoke clears in May, expect this DL group to be bulked up a bit. Big Blue doesn’t have a whole lot behind Dexter Lawrence on the interior as of now, but Harbaugh has made it clear that the trenches will be a priority moving forward.
Giants’ Current DL Room Ahead of NFL Draft
Looking at the Giants’ interior defensive line, there’s still a lot of work to do. Roy Robertson-Harris is probably number two on the current depth chart behind Lawrence, and he could still be a cut candidate after a rough 2025 season.
After that, NYG has some combination of Roberts, 2025 draft pick Darius Alexander, ex-UDFA Elijah Chatman, and veteran pickup Marlon Tuipulotu.
It’s an okay group for now, but it lacks a legitimate impact starter who can line up next to Lawrence and cause chaos. Until the Giants find that, they’ll be wasting their superstar D-tackle’s potential.
Lawrence faces double-team after double-team every season, and opposing offensive lines get away with it because there’s no secondary threat on the interior. Harbaugh and Schoen must correct that issue in the coming months.
Failed Giants Draft Pick Leaves NY for Division Rival in Free Agency