The New York Giants should have better talent on the defensive front this year. That’s a matter of them simply having more experience and added talent compared to last year. The pass rush should be better with Markus Golden returning and Kyler Fackrell joining, but don’t forget about what the Giants have in the middle.
Specifically, don’t forget about Dexter Lawrence. The second year lineman is improving since last season according to Joe Judge, who spoke on his camp performance on Friday.
Dexter Lawrence earns praise from Joe Judge
“I think Dex had a really nice camp. He’s a guy that came in really good shape, really ready to go. He’s done a really good job working with [Sean] Spence[r] and working on some of the pass rushing stuff,” Judge said when asked about his thoughts on Lawrence’s game and improvements. “But really where he’s improved this year a lot is his ability to build that wall and anchor in the run game, and really help us get them to a third down situation.”
It’s another mention of third down. It appears to be an important down for the Giants this year. Kyler Fackrell also spoke of third downs recently, saying it will be a ‘fun down’ this year. And Lawrence might play a part in getting the opposing team to third down in the first place through stuffing the run and pressuring the quarterback.
“He has a good knack for getting his hand up at the right time and batting the ball down,” Judge said about Lawrence’s ability to knock down passes at the line.
“A lot of that comes into just his instincts. But he’s also got that good length where he can really keep extension off the offensive line and see through them to when the quarterback is in a rhythm of throwing the ball, he gets his hand up at the right time.”
Last season, Lawrence had a decent run as a rookie player with 38 tackles and 2.5 sacks. He started every game, which is expected to continue into this season as Lawrence is unchallenged at his spot by others on the depth chart.
And so far, it looks like there’s good reason to be optimistic about his play.