Is Defensive Lineman D.J. Davidson on the Roster Bubble?

With the addition of new pieces on the defensive line, will second-year man D.J. Davidson be able to hold on to a roster spot?

Author:
Gene Clemons
Publish date:
May 27, 2023 10:04 AM EDT

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New York Giants

D.J. Davidson, Defensive Tackle

Height: 6-foot-5 | Weight: 325 pounds
2022 Stats: GP 5 / GS: 0, 4 tackles (2 solo)

New York Giants defensive lineman D.J. Davidson came up as a talented prospect from Mesa, Arizona, continuing his career in "The Grand Canyon State" at Arizona State University.

He spent four seasons in Tempe before being taken in the fifth round by the Giants in 2022 and was a part of the new regime's first draft class. In his first season with the Giants, he was active for five games, logging 43 snaps on defense and 43 on special teams. He recorded two tackles and one stop before suffering a season-ending ACL injury.

The Giants run defense was ranked 28th last season, allowing 146.3 yards per game. Ultimately their struggles to stop the run was their undoing in their second-round playoff loss to NFC East rival Philadelphia, emphasizing the need to improve the run defense.

The team signed Rakeem Nunez-Roches to a three-year, $12 million deal this offseason. They also signed A'Shawn Robinson to a one-year deal worth up to $8 million. They drafted Oregon defensive tackle Jordan Riley in the seventh round.

That is three people who have the potential to jump Davidson, who, again, is rehabbing from a torn ACL suffered in Week 5. Can he hold off his competition if he's good to partake in training camp?

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Best Case Scenario

Most players improve dramatically between their first and second seasons in the NFL because they don't spend the entire summer preparing for the combine and pro days.

That said, Davidson has been spending his off-season training for 2023 and rehabbing his injury. There is some question as to whether he'll be ready for camp. If he is and shows improvement from where he left off last year, at best, he could hope for a spot on the practice squad unless there is a rash of injuries to the veterans in front of him.

Worst Case Scenario

As noted, Davidson didn't make a big impact last year before his injury. When you are a one-dimensional player that only adds value as a run defender, it limits your versatility. Throw in the additions of Nunez-Roches and Robinson, and it sure does look like Davidson will find himself as the odd man out.

The Giants might want to keep Davidson around on the practice squad, but again, they've added rookie Jordon Riley, whom they believe might have some more upside. And if Riley can get on the field whereas Davidson is not, it's hard not to envision a practice squad spot at minimum for the rookie.

What to Expect in 2023

To compete with Nunez-Roches and Robinson for snaps, Davidson must prove he is better than other defensive linemen who garnered snaps for the Giants last season. Again, that starts with being cleared to get on the field.

Even if Davidson improves, he's still facing an uphill battle, given the veteran additions made to the roster and the addition of Riley. Any way you look at it, the numbers don't favor Davidson, but that's why you line up and compete.