When we started this series of the top 10 New York Giants, we were clear that it is based on “most important” and not “most talented” players. The next player on our list is a perfect example.
Veteran nose tackle DJ Reader is not the seventh-most talented player on the Giants’ roster. Reader is a 32-year-old entering his 11th NFL season who has never been a Pro Bowl or All-Pro player. Still, he checks in at No. 7 on our list of most important Giants entering the 2026 season.
Why? Lots of reasons.
Who
he is replacing
When the Giants and Reader began negotiating, Dexter Lawrence was still part of the team. The Giants believed that would remain the case, and their interest in Reader was as a supporting player for Lawrence, who is the NFL’s best nose tackle when playing to his potential.
Alas, Lawrence forced his way out of New York and is now a member of the Cincinnati Bengals. The Giants ended up signing Reader to become their primary nose tackle, Lawrence’s replacement.
Who else is there?
Reader says he is “not necessarily” Lawrence’s replacement. Still, if Reader can’t do the job — at least as a double-team swallowing, run-plugger on early downs — who else on the roster can?
Bobby Jamison-Travis is a 6-foot-4, 322-pound nose tackle. He is also a rookie sixth-round pick. He should not be expected to handle more than spot duty in short-yardage situations or when Reader needs a rest.
Leki Fotu weighs 334 pounds, but he has been mostly a 3-4 defensive end. Shelby Harris listed at 288 pounds. Sam Roberts is 300 pounds. Zacch Pickens is 303 pounds. Darius Alexander is a pass rusher, not a run-defending nose tackle.
If Reader can’t line up over center and hold the fort against the run, I don’t know if the Giants have anyone else who can.
That leaky run defense
Giants fans did not need the reminder, but it was recently pointed out that the Giants’ run defense has been terrible for this entire decade thus far.
That was true with Lawrence. It was true with Lawrence and Leonard Williams. It was true with Patrick Graham, Wink Martindale, and Shane Bowen each having a turn at defensive coordinator.
