The defensive structure of the New York Giants received a fresh addition late Monday. They welcomed aboard an emerging player previously associated with their NFC East counterparts, the Cowboys. The ex-Dallas defensive lineman Chauncey Golston has inked a three-year deal with the Giants valued at $19.5 million.
Here’s a deeper dive into Golston’s credentials as he steps into the fray with the Giants, with the official handshake due on Wednesday upon the launch of the NFL’s new league year, conditional to a health check. Golston was a third-round pick in the 2021 draft which saw him establishing a career-best record of 5.5 sacks in the previous season.
In his senior year, the 27-year-old Golston was on the field for 17 matches, holding down the starting position in 13 of these. His career record stands at 64 regular-season appearances with 16 starts, totaling nine sacks. In terms of positional flexibility, Golston provides a sizeable advantage upfront in rush packages.
One cannot help but notice his stature (6-foot-5, 268 pounds) when compared to soon-to-be free agent Azeez Ojulari (6-3, 240). The size differential lends Golston an added advantage, allowing him to slide inward and sustain his physicality.
Expectations are that Golston might not be seen on the edge alongside Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux, yet his formidable physical presence empowers defensive coordinator Shane Bowen with an additional player to line up next to Dexter Lawrence during intense pass rush situations.
While it certainly doesn’t imply that Golston lacks the capability to stand firm and play outside, it does add an interesting mix to the equation about where he is most likely to find his place. His expertise includes the capacity to edge-set, which came in handy for the Cowboys during their defensive rotations the previous year.
Serving under the tutelage of ex-defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, Golston found himself more immersed in the defensive tackle position. Despite his statistical productivity not performing satisfactorily on paper, his ability to shuffle around various positions elevates his appeal, rendering him more than just numbers.