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Every team needs rotational defensive linemen who, at the least, understand their assignments, can play the run, play physically and give maximum effort. That is what defensive end Kerry Wynn does for the Giants.
Let's take a closer look at the 25-year-old Wynn, entering his third season with the Giants after making the roster in 2014 as an undrafted free agent. This is the finale in our series profiling all of the players who comprise the 90-man roster the Giants will bring to training camp.
2015 Season in Review
Wynn played 578 snaps last season, more than any other Giants defensive end. In fact, Wynn played more snaps than Giants defensive lineman except Cullen Jenkins, who played 732. And that was a major part of the problem as a defensive line largely incapable of pressuring the quarterback or holding the line of scrimmage against the run was largely responsible for the Giants finishing last in the league defensively.
That is not to say it was Wynn's fault. It wasn't. The fact is, though, he is a role player much more suited to the 184 snaps he played in 2014 than the major role he was forced to play throughout much of 2015, especially before Jason Pierre-Paul returned for the second half of the season.
Wynn had no sacks and only two quarterback hits in 2015. He made 53 tackles, all but one on running plays, and had five tackles for loss against the run.
2016 Season Outlook
As things stand entering training camp, Wynn should be the Giants fourth defensive end. Olivier Vernon and Jason Pierre-Paul should bookend the edges of the Giants' four-man front. Owamagbe Odighizuwa, the 2015 third-round draft choice who missed most of last season with hamstring and foot injuries, is expected to be the third defensive end, sliding in to a defensive tackle spot in pass-rush situations.
That would put Wynn comfortably, and properly, in the role of fourth defensive end and special teamer. Used in spot duty Wynn has value because he can play the run and he won't make egregious mistakes. Over used he becomes a liability as he isn't a dynamic athlete or great pass rusher.