If there’s any specific unit that needs to improve significantly in 2020, it’s the New York Giants’ defense. After injecting ample youth into the secondary, Big Blue struggled to put together a successful season on the defensive side of the ball, forcing the offense to compensate for lack of efficiency. However, the Giants did add multiple quality players to the team in the 2019 NFL Draft, and one of them is preparing for a big 2020 campaign.
Dexter Lawrence, who was drafted with the 17th overall selection last year, is primed to breakout based on his solid production during his rookie season. After posting 38 combined tackles, 3 tackles for a loss, and 9 QB hits, Lawrance has a solid benchmark to build off of with a tremendous supporting cast consisting of Leonard Williams and Dalvin Tomlinson.
“Big Dexy” earned a spot on the Pro Football Writers Association’s All-Rookie Team based on his performance in the trenches, continuously putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks, earning an overall grade of 80+ in 2019 in more game than all but just one other rookie defender.
Dexter was the 4th defensive lineman selected in the draft but still managed to grade out higher than the players snagged before him. Those athletes include Ed Oliver, Quinnnen Williams, and Christian Wilkins, three exceptional players in college who didn’t manage to translate to the NFL as quick as Lawrence did.
What does Dexter Lawrence bring to the New York Giants’ defense:
Lawrence is an engulfing run stuffer who can impose his strength on interior offensive lineman. His ability to push the trenches with his massive 6-foot-4, 340-pound frame gives the Giants immense power from an inside look. One of the best attributes Lawrence has is his ability to move around the defensive line and feature in all different technique sets. With Clemson, he featured in the five-technique on occasion but moved around to disrupt the flow of opposing offenses.
While his strength is apparent, Lawrence has impeccable hand placement and fundamentals, which is why the Giants fell in love with him. General manager Dave Gettleman loves his interior lineman, and Lawrence has the potential to be an All-Pro and going into his second season with some experience under his belt, I would bet my chips on him having a dominant 2020 campaign.