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2024 Training Camp

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24 Questions in 24 Days: Defensive MVP prediction

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Giants.com is counting down to the start of 2024 Giants Training Camp with 24 questions in 24 days.

2) Who will be the Giants' Defensive MVP?

John Schmeelk: The easy answer here is two-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence. If you want to just talk about defensive impact regardless of counting stats, he is the correct one. But that's not how MVPs are decided in the real world. In the real world, stats matter, and that's why the Giants' defensive MVP in 2024 will be outside linebacker Brian Burns.

Burns has been remarkably consistent throughout his NFL career, totaling between 7.5 and nine sacks in four of his five NFL seasons. The exception was 2022 when he finished with 12.5 sacks and made one of his two Pro Bowls. I expect him to approach those numbers and lead the Giants in sacks this year. I also expect his pressure rate to lead the team. Defensive coordinator Shane Bowen will let his edge players line up very wide in passing situations, and that should suit Burns skills. If the Giants can have the lead in a few more games than the Panthers, his former team, the last two seasons, it will also help elevate his sack numbers.

I also think it will be slightly easier to get double teams onto Lawrence this year. With fewer blitzes creating more one-on-one opportunities, he might have more trouble consistently penetrating when there are four hands and two bodies on him more frequently.

Get excited for the 2024 season with photos from Media Day at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center.

Take a look at rare photos of New York Giants training camps through the years.

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