It wasn’t so long ago that New York Giants defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson was the new kid on the block. These days, he’s the seasoned veteran on the line, although he’s only heading into his third season as a pro.

The Giants’ second round pick back in 2017 out of Alabama, Tomlinson had gotten used to playing the 4-3 next to super run-stuffer Damon “Snacks” Harrison. In the NFC East, Tomlinson was second-highest graded interior defensive lineman by Pro Football Focus in 2018.

2018's highest-graded interior defensive linemen in the NFC East pic.twitter.com/jLCDSANcZt — PFF (@PFF) February 14, 2019

When Harrison was traded last October, Tomlinson was forced to step up and lead the d-line on top of acclimating to defensive coordinator James Bettcher’s 3-4 alignment. This year, he comes to camp with more knowledge and experience which is why the Giants are relying on him to set the tone for his younger linemates, B.J. Hill and Dexter Lawrence.

Hill, a third-round pick last year from North Carolina State, flashed as a rookie last season with 5.5 sacks. Tomlinson believes Hill will take a step up as well this season.

“You can just tell B.J. is more comfortable this year just running different games and just playing beside him in the run game. He’s more patient with things, like playing run blocks and things like that. B.J. is playing pretty well this year, too,” Tomlinson told reporters on MOnday.

Lawrence, the 17th overall selection in this year’s NFL Draft, is a 6-foot-4, 345-pound player with unusual speed and dexterity for his size. The Giants are holding on to the belief that he is a three-down player who can rush the quarterback from the nose tackle position.

“It’s super unique, just to be that big and that athletic is amazing to see when you’re playing right beside him,” Tomlinson said of Lawrence. “I’ve never seen anybody near as big move that well.”

Tomlinson believes the Giants defense is hungrier this year than the past few. Asked what the difference was, he pointed to the cohesiveness that the group has developed under Bettcher.

“The brotherhood and camaraderie of the defense we have right now is just crazy. The unity and the energy we bring to the field and coming out of the locker room each and every day,” he said.

That’s going to be key for the Giants. Last season they didn’t have the communication nor the understanding of Bettcher’s scheme. This year they hope things will be different.