Giants Might Be Overlooking a Hidden Gem on Their Defensive Line
Sometimes, in chasing new talent, you miss the valuable piece you already have—and that might be exactly what the New York Giants are doing with second-year defensive tackle Elijah Chatman heading into the 2025 season.
Despite a standout finish to last year, Chatman now finds himself buried in a suddenly stacked defensive line rotation.
Draft Day Additions Shake Up the Depth Chart
Looking to boost their pass rush, the Giants used the No. 3 overall pick on dynamic edge rusher Abdul Carter, then doubled down in the trenches by selecting Darius Alexander at No. 65 to pair with Dexter Lawrence inside.
With veterans like Rakeem Nunez-Roches, Roy Robertson-Harris, and Jordan Riley still in the mix, competition on the interior is fierce. Even DJ Davidson and Jeremiah Ledbetter are fighting for reps.
That leaves Chatman—who impressed late last season—in a precarious spot.
Chatman’s 2024 Impact Was Undeniable
While he wasn’t a regular starter, Chatman made the most of his snaps. In the final two games of 2024, he racked up six pressures and five QB hurries against the Colts and Eagles. Over the full season, he notched 19 pressures, 15 tackles, and—perhaps most impressively—zero missed tackles in 423 snaps.
That kind of consistency is rare, especially from an undersized, undrafted lineman.
At 6’0″ and 278 pounds, Chatman doesn’t have ideal size, but he makes up for it with quickness, leverage, and relentless motor—traits that helped him shine in passing situations late in the year.
Elijah Chatman
A Tough Climb Ahead
Despite his solid production, Chatman enters 2025 needing to prove himself all over again. With big names and draft pedigree ahead of him—Carter, Alexander, Lawrence, Nunez-Roches, and Robertson-Harris—there’s simply not much room for error.
Chatman could find himself on the outside looking in if he doesn’t dominate in training camp. However, his team-friendly contract and developmental upside make him a strong candidate for the practice squad if he doesn’t make the 53-man roster.
Still, should injuries strike or the Giants need more pass-rush firepower, don’t be surprised if Chatman becomes a key contributor. He may not have the hype, but he’s got the hustle—and that counts for something.
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