The New York Giants bolstered their edge room by signing Chauncey Golston to a three-year, $19.5-million contract ($6.5-million average annual value). The contract is on par with the Panthers’ D.J. Wonnum and is worth slightly more than Tyree Wilson’s rookie deal (seventh pick in the 2023 NFL Draft).
Golston was selected in the third round (85th overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. The 6-foot-5, 268-pound 27-year-old had his best season under Mike Zimmer last year. He recorded 37 pressures and 5.5 sacks, with five tackles for a loss and passes defended. He also intercepted Jayden Daniels on an excellent effort play – reading a screen – from the backside.
Effort, awareness, and backside pursuit are all elements of Golston’s skill set that must have enticed the New York Giants; those and his unique frame. He’s a large edge, but also has a 96th percentile wingspan and massive 10 ⅞-inch hands:
Golston has sufficient quickness to penetrate, which is maximized by his ability to keep his hips low and use his length. He gains initial contact through his length, and his vice-grip hands allow him to dictate and control the point of attack more easily than most defensive linemen. Golston also flashes good lower-leg drive when moving forward, which allows him to push the pocket and generate pressure through power.
He strings moves together and showcased solid overall hand usage as a pass-rusher, with upside in the twist/stunt game due to good change of direction. He’s not dynamic as a pass-rusher, per se, but his effort and foundation is enough to be a significant contributor in a rotation. It’s also plausible that Andre Patterson can continue his ascension and bring his high floor closer to his ceiling.
Golston is also a sound-run defender who can penetrate and hold the point of attack in most cases against one-on-one matchups. He does, at times, attempt to slide off blocks—which works well on stretch plays—but he’ll attempt to do so when fully engaged, leading to him losing gap integrity, especially against double teams; this isn’t a dire issue with his game but something to acknowledge.
I break down his strengths and weaknesses in the brief video below. Please like, share, and subscribe to the channel.
