Since the retirement of Aaron Donald, there has been debate about who is the NFL’s best interior defensive lineman. Chris Jones of the Kansas City Chiefs is certainly a strong contender. Jalen Carter of the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles is another name to throw into the ring. Quinnen Williams of the New York Jets has also been a mainstay during his career thus far.
How about the other New York team? Dexter Lawrence has dominated since switching to being a primary nose tackle ahead of the 2022 season. Lawrence, a former 2019 first round pick, was a solid interior defender during his first three seasons, but nothing spectacular. A switch flipped in 2022, when defensive line coach Andre Patterson suggested Lawrence line up directly across from the opposing center.
It’s hard to find anyone that can stop Lawrence. He had nine sacks in just 12 games last season, a dislocated left elbow caused him to miss the remaining five weeks. In a recent poll taken by Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, he asked top NFL executives, coaches and scouts who the best defensive tackle in the league is. Lawrence came in at No.1.
Lawrence racked up quarterback takedowns while facing a 74.5% double-team rate, higher than any other interior lineman. The Giants saw him improve his ability to transition off blocks, be great on the move and finish takedowns.
One NFL personnel director even went as far to say that Lawrence “should have been” the Defensive Player of the Year in 2024. With the Giants adding stellar pass rusher Abdul Carter to their already strong defensive line, it’s a scary thought for opposing offenses to think about what Lawrence can do with even more talent around him.