Can R.J. McIntosh make position switch in NY Giants 3-4 defense

After playing defensive tackle in the 4-3 under Mark D’Onofrio and Manny Diaz with the Miami Hurricanes R.J. McIntosh is going to have to switch positions in the NY Giants newly installed 3-4 defense.

Under Bill Parcells, the Giants excelled in the 3-4 defense. That was many generations ago by any sports measure. More recently the Giants success in the last ten to 15 years has been using a 4-3 defense. R.J. McIntosh will have to switch from defensive tackle to either defensive end or nose tackle in the 3-4.

The G-Men’s pass defense was abysmal last season. They were 31st in the NFL yards allowed, last in touchdown passes allowed and 27th in yards per attempt against.

R.J. McIntosh gives them a productive defensive tackle that could move outside. He began his Miami career as a defensive end in the 4-3. McIntosh could be a prototype 3-4 defensive end.

Canes Warning’s partner site GMen HQ likes the athleticism that McIntosh brings to the Big Blue defensive line. We are not talking about IBM or Kentucky. Big 80 was the second defensive tackle drafted by the Giants this year. The first was North Carolina State’s B.J. Hill.

Both Hill and McIntosh fit the Giants scheme in the 3-4 according to G-Men HQ. Although the base is a 3-4, new Giants defensive coordinator James Bettcher uses multiple fronts. His versatility is why the Giants drafted McIntosh according to General Manager Dave Gettleman.

GMenHQ spoke about McIntosh’s future in New Jersey.

"“McIntosh has the athleticism and talent to play defensive end in either a 3-4 or 4-3 front. He will likely need to add some weight and strength to play defensive tackle at the next level.”"

While McIntosh seems to be in a great situation with the Giants, some questioned his decision to leave early for the NFL. NFL.Com analyst Lance Zierlein discussed McIntosh’s NFL outlook.

"“Athletic defensive tackle with the speed and quickness to make impact plays, but the lack of core strength to give up big plays against the run. McIntosh has developmental potential to work with and should take a big step forward once he learns to work his hands as a pass rusher.While he has disruptive potential, he has to get his play strength to a functional level in order to hold up as an every-down player. While teams will likely view him as a defensive tackle, McIntosh could fit as a base 4-3 end with the ability to reduce inside on passing downs…"

Zierlein wasn’t the only one questioning McIntosh’s decision to leave early for the NFL. He quoted an AFC executive regarding McIntosh’s future.

"“Should have stayed in. He needs to keep growing into his frame and get a lot stronger. You don’t want to come out until you know you’re ready to do battle against grown men and I don’t think he’s there yet.” — AFC Director of Scouting"

McIntosh will get to play alongside former Miami star Olivier Vernon. After playing for the Dolphins for four years, Vernon is entering his third season with the Giants.

The Giants centric website Big Blue interactive already has McIntosh slated as the backup at left defensive end. He is listed behind 2017 Giants second-round pick Dalvin Tomlinson.

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Tomlinson would also be making the move from defensive tackle in the new scheme. He had 30 tackles and 20 assists with one sack as a rookie last season.