Dalvin Tomlinson reached some impressive benchmarks through his first three NFL seasons. Yet, his No. 94 jerseys don't exactly fly off the shelves.
This could be the year they go in high demand.
"I am super excited about the new defense," Tomlinson said. "I want to be able to help in the run and pass game this year and just keep improving across the whole board. Help out and be disruptive in the middle as much as possible throughout the whole season. … I feel like I am super aggressive on the inside. The scheme is fun. It reminds me of the Alabama defense and the Alabama days and the techniques I used to use and stuff like that."
Tomlinson is the first Giants player to start every game in his first three seasons with the team since safety Antrel Rolle (2010-12), the first draft choice to do so since offensive lineman David Diehl (2003-05), and the first defensive draft choice to start his first 48 games since cornerback Perry Williams (1984-86). The former second-round pick from the University of Alabama also holds the Giants' longest active starting streak.
So, at the "old" age of 26, he has become the elder statesman of the team.
"Everybody knows it's a business," said Tomlinson, who is one of two pro players (Denver tackle Garett Bolles) from the 2017 draft class to start every game since entering the NFL. "You have to be able to understand that coming in. I just keep my head down and focus on getting better each and every day and keep working. That's all you can do. I'm just blessed to be in the position I'm in and be in this chair talking to you guys. Come in each and every day and don't take a day for granted."
Photos from the career of defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson
New York Giants DT Dalvin Tomlinson sacks Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray during a game on Sunday Dec.13, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
New York Giants defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) during a NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday Dec.20, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants' Dalvin Tomlinson warms-up before an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) sacks Dallas Cowboys quarterback Andy Dalton (14) in the second half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) gets blocked by Washington Football Team guard Wes Schweitzer (71) during a NFL football game Sunday Oct. 18, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants' Dalvin Tomlinson warms-up before an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants nose tackle Dalvin Tomlinson looks on against the Seattle Seahawks in an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Larry Maurer)
New York Giants nose tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) tackles Los Angeles Rams running back Malcolm Brown (34) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif. Rams won 17-9. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
New York Giants nose tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) warms up before an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) tackles Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Leonard Fournette (28) during a NFL football game Monday Nov. 2, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) during a NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday Dec.13, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants nose tackle Dalvin Tomlinson rushes in against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, in Baltimore. The Ravens won 27-13. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) stops Washington Football Team running back Antonio Gibson (24) during a NFL football game Sunday Oct. 18, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) before a NFL football game against the Washington Football Team Sunday Oct.18, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus via AP)
San Francisco 49ers' QB Nick Mullens (4) throws a pass over New York Giants' DT Dalvin Tomlinson (94) during an NFL game on Septermber 27, 2020 in East Rutherford, N.J.
New York Giants nose tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) seen with the 'Walter Payton Man Of The Year' sticker on his helmet before an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants Dalvin Tomlinson during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)
New York Giants defensive end Dalvin Tomlinson (94) celebrates with teammates after the New York Jets missed a field goal during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Steven Ryan)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) talks to his teammates before a NFL football game against the Washington Redskins on Thursday, November 23, 2017 in Landover, MD.(Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants' Tae Davis, right, and Dalvin Tomlinson celebrate during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants' Dalvin Tomlinson talks to reporters during NFL football rookie minicamp , Friday, May 12, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) is sacked by New York Giants' Dalvin Tomlinson (94) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97), defensive end Dalvin Tomlinson (94) and offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) before an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) talks to his team mates before a week 9 regular season game against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium on Monday November 4th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive end Dalvin Tomlinson (94) celebrates after he sacks Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019. (AP Images/Rick Osentoski)
New York Giants defensive end Dalvin Tomlinson (94) greets fans before an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) takes part in a week 10 regular season game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday November 10th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants' Dalvin Tomlinson (94) closes in on Jacksonville Jaguars' T.J. Yeldon (24) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) loses his helmet as he hits Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) during the first half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)
New York Giants' Dalvin Tomlinson (94) tackles Washington Redskins' Keith Marshall (39) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Dalvin Tomlinson, left, and B.J. Hill celebrates after a sack during the second half of an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) warms up before an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions Monday, Sept. 18, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants DL Leonard Williams (99) and DL Dalvin Tomlinson (94) during a week 9 game against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
DL Dalvin Tomlinson (94) & Leonard Williams (99)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) gives a pregame speech before a preseason week 2 game against the Chicago Bears at Met Life Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants participate in Training Camp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) and B.J. Hill (95) attempt to block a field goal during a week 10 regular season game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday November 10th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) is sacked by New York Giants' Dalvin Tomlinson (94)during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) on the line during the game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017, Philadelphia. The Eagles defeated the Giants 27-24. (Al Tielemans via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson looks on from the sidelines against the Philadelphia Eagles during a NFL football game on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017, in Philadelphia. The Eagles won 27-24. (G. Newman Lowrance via AP)
New York Giants defensive end Dalvin Tomlinson (94) during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019 in Tampa, Fla. The Giants won 31-31. (Paul Abell via AP)
New York Giants defensive end Dalvin Tomlinson (94) rushes the quarterback during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, Dec. 9, 2019, in Philadelphia. The Eagles defeated the Giants in overtime, 23-17. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) talks to his teammates before an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday December 29th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday December 29th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) talks to his teammates before an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins Sunday December 22nd, 2019 in Landover, Md (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson (94) celebrates after a sack during an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019 in Detroit. The Lions defeated the Giants 31-26. (Joe Robbins via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins Sunday December 15th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants defensive end Dalvin Tomlinson (94) rushes the quarterback during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, Dec. 9, 2019, in Philadelphia. The Eagles defeated the Giants in overtime, 23-17. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New York Giants defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson (94) reacts after sacking Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019 in Detroit. The Lions defeated the Giants 31-26. (Joe Robbins via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) during an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins Sunday December 22nd, 2019 in Landover, Md (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants defensive linemen Dalvin Tomlinson (94) and B.J. Hill (95) look into the backfield during an NFL game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019, in Chicago. The Bear defeated the Giants 19-14. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Giants defensive end Dalvin Tomlinson (94) during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019 in Tampa, Fla. The Giants won 31-31. (Paul Abell via AP)
Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) looks to pass before being stopped by New York Giants defensive end Dalvin Tomlinson (94) in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) during an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears Sunday November 24, 2019 in Chicago (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) celebrates a sack during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots Thursday October 10, 2019 in Foxborough, Mass, (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) during a week 2 NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday September 16, 2018 in Arlington, Texas (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants defensive end Dalvin Tomlinson (94) gets set in a three point stance during the NFL week 10 regular season football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday, Nov. 12, 2018 in Santa Clara, Calif. The Giants won the game 27-23. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants defensive end Dalvin Tomlinson (94) tackles Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. Arizona won 27-21. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) lines up in a three-point stance during an NFL Week 10 game against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday, Nov. 12, 2018, in Santa Clara, Calif. The Giants defeated the 49ers 27-23. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (96) during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (Tom DiPace via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) watches from the sideline during a preseason NFL football game against the Detroit Lions on Friday August 17, 2018 in Detroit (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) during an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday September 15, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) talks to his team mates before a preseason week 2 game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, August 16, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) rushes during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, East Rutherford, NJ. The Giants defeated the Chiefs 12-9. (Al Tielemans via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) gets tripped by New Orleans Saints center Max Unger (60) during a week 4 NFL football game on Sunday September 30, 2018 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) during NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelerss Friday August 11, 2017 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017. (Winslow Townson/AP Images for Panini)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) lines up on the line of scrimage during the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) during an NFL football game against the Friday August 11, 2017 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) takes a defensive position during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Margaret Bowles via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94). during a NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, November 19, 2017 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) rushes during the game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017, Philadelphia. The Eagles defeated the Giants 27-24. (Al Tielemans via AP)
New York Giants defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson (94) pursues the ball in action against the New York Jets Saturday Aug. 26, 2017 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) during a NFL football game against the Denver Broncos on October 15, 2017 in Denver. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) during a NFL football game against the Washington Redskins on Sunday December 31, 2017 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants rookie defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) gets set during the 2017 NFL week 2 regular season football game against the against the Detroit Lions, Monday, Sept. 18, 2017 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Lions won the game 24-10. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Alabama defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson runs a drill at the 2017 NFL Scouting Combine at the Lucas Oil Stadium, Sunday, March 5, 2017 in Indianapolis. (Perry Knotts via AP)
Alabama defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 5, 2017. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Alabama defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson runs in a drill at the NFL football scouting combine on Sunday, March 5, 2017, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Alabama defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 5, 2017. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Alabama defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson runs a drill during the 2017 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, March 5, 2017 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Alabama defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine Sunday, March 5, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Alabama defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson competes in the vertical jumpat the 2017 NFL football scouting combine Sunday, March 5, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
Alabama defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine Sunday, March 5, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Alabama defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine Sunday, March 5, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Alabama defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine Sunday, March 5, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Alabama defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson runs the 40 yard dash during the 2017 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, March 5, 2017 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Alabama defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine Sunday, March 5, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
South squad defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson of Alabama (54) during the introductions of the players at the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Jan. 28, 2017, at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Alabama quarterback Blake Barnett (6) throws a pass while under pressure from Alabama defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson (54) during the second half of Alabama's spring NCAA college football game, Saturday, April 18, 2015, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Mississippi State quarterback Dak Prescott (15) is sacked by Alabama defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson (54) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Mississippi State quarterback Dak Prescott (15) is tackled by Alabama defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson (54) and linebacker Rashaan Evans (32) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Of course, in 2020, his familiarity with the Giants doesn't exactly mean what it used to mean. Tomlinson returned to a completely remodeled training camp setup, which moved from the Quest Diagnostics Training Center to MetLife Stadium and adheres to every safety protocol that exists, even down to the placement of cereal containers in the cafeteria.
"It's super different," Tomlinson said. "Social distancing is the biggest thing to get used to, making sure you're always six feet apart and things like that. It's super different, different location, you're used to being in the facility just right there with everyone and everything is super close. Things are a lot more spread out now."
Tomlinson added, "Yeah, everyone is spread out [in the locker room] and we're yelling over to make sure everyone can hear you through the mask. You might lose your voice every now and again."
One of those muffled voices is Dexter Lawrence, a 2019 first-round round pick who started all 16 games as a rookie and logged nearly 900 snaps between defense and special teams. Tomlinson said there is a marked difference in the fellow big man.
"The biggest difference is you get used to the NFL, the meetings and things like that," Tomlinson said. "I guess you get a little but more comfortable going into your second year. Everybody, as a rookie coming in, you are nervous because you are a rookie. Now he is a second-year player. He comes in with his work hat on every day ready to work. I love the energy he brings and just how excited he is to come to work and get better each day."
Together, they are learning a new scheme under assistant head coach/defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, who was Tomlinson's position coach as a rookie in his first stint with the Giants.
"He is a great guy who has grown a lot," Tomlinson said. "You can just tell it's a lot of pretty much the same techniques. I always catch him coming into the D-line room and talking to us all the time. We are his favorite group, I guess you could say, because he used to be a D-line coach. He's always teaching us different techniques that remind me of the stuff he used to teach my rookie year. A lot of great stuff going on and we just keep improving on the techniques he's teaching us."
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