Feb. 20, 2026, 9:01 a.m. ET
Former New York Giants safety and three-time Pro Bowler Antrel Rolle is bullish on the team’s defensive potential under new defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson.
In an interview with Hard Rock Bet, Rolle highlighted the promise of the Giants’ front seven, featuring talents like Abdul Carter, Brian Burns, Dexter Lawrence, Bobby Okereke, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Darius Alexander.
“As far as my expectations, I think they can be elite,” Rolle said. “I tell people all the time, you can have a great secondary with guys who can break on the ball and get interceptions, but you’re nothing without that front seven. That’s the way football works. That’s the way defense works.”
Rolle stressed that the unit’s success hinges on cohesion.
“In terms of that Giants front seven, I think that once those guys gel a bit more and spend a little more time with each other to understand the ins and outs, the sky is the limit,” he said. “They wouldn’t be there if they weren’t capable of being a dynamic front seven.”
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Rolle also emphasized the role of schematics under Wilson, who reunites with head coach John Harbaugh after serving as his defensive backs coach with the Baltimore Ravens in 2023.
“Defensive schematics also play a huge part in it. You have to know your defense and know the players’ strengths and weaknesses. You also need to know what positions and situations to put certain players in,” he said.
Wilson arrives after leading the Tennessee Titans’ defense to strong rankings, bringing an aggressive, disciplined approach that could elevate the Giants’ talented but inconsistent unit to elite status.
