With “Great Opportunity,” Giants’ Jay Bromley Takes Big Step

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — With Johnathan Hankins having cashed a big free-agent paycheck with the Indianapolis Colts, Jay Bromley knows the best opportunity of his four-year NFL career is right in front of him.

“It’s a great opportunity. Hankins is a heckuva player, remarkable player. He got what he was due,” Bromley said Friday night. “I just have a great opportunity ahead of me with the defensive line that we have. I just look forward to doing the best I can and just helping fill in that role.”

Friday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the New York Giants defensive tackle did his best to stake his claim to the starting job Hankins left behind. Bromley had three tackles, including a stop in the backfield on a third-and-1, in 19 snaps.

“It’s very important. Just making plays for my team, just showing what I can do. I can get in the backfield and I can contribute on this great defensive line,” Bromley said, sitting on a stool in front of his locker. “You just want to go out there and showcase your talents, especially against the run. That’s something I continue to work on and try to get better in. Coach called a great play and I was able to execute.”

Bromley has just one sack in his career and has yet to live up to his status as a 2014 third-round pick. He is competing with second-round pick Dalvin Tomlinson, who was also impressive Friday night, and Robert Thomas to fill Hankins’ spot.

“I don’t think this league has seen the kind of player I’m capable of being yet to this point. I’ve been very sporadic throughout the course of my career,” Bromley said. “I just want to be consistent and show that I can play the run and I can contribute and get after the quarterback.”

Friday’s effort was a good beginning.