Why Dexter Lawrence is an overlooked star for the NY Giants

When the NY Giants selected Dexter Lawrence at #17 overall in 2019, they were not just drafting a great player. Dexter is a great person off the field as well and his leadership qualities have already impacted the NY Giants. He was chosen to be Daniel Jones‘ roommate during their first training camp.

It is not common to pair a quarterback and defensive tackle together as roommates. Lawrence is not your typical defensive lineman though, and he helped Jones get through his first NFL experience as a sort of mentor. He explained how he was able to help the sixth overall pick get adjusted, especially after his selection was widely criticized nationally.

“That’s why I wanted to be his roommate, to keep his mind straight and not think about stuff like that. I want to be that kind of guy to motivate him a bit more and show him since I don’t get into that stuff. I do what I have to do and be where I have to be.”

Lawrence was always a humble star at Clemson and did things the right way on and off the field. That’s why it was so surprising when he tested positive for a banned substance during his last season at Clemson. The coaches and teammates of Lawrence were totally shocked and supported Lawrence 100%.

“I’m not the type of guy to do a selfish act like that. I have too much pride. I love this team and my family too much to put a substance like that in my body. I don’t know where it came from. I don’t know how it got there. I was raised differently. If I did do it, I’d own up to it. All I can say is I honestly don’t know what happened, where it came from.”

I believe Lawrence would not jeopardize his season by knowingly taking a banned substance (ostarine.) His teammates viewed him as the leader of the defensive line. He was an excellent student in high school and college as well.

Dexter is always motivated to prove the doubters wrong. Some draft experts slammed Dave Gettleman after the draft for taking another inside defensive lineman. Lawrence is not your typical defensive lineman though.

The North Carolina native grew up rooting for the Giants and looks up to the great defensive lines of the past. He grew up watching Michael Strahan, Justin Tuck, and Osi Umenyiora get after the quarterback and win Super Bowls.

Lawrence wants to replicate their success and become another Giants legend like his heroes before him. In a sit-down interview with Victor Cruz after the season, Lawrence explained how his rookie season was inconsistent and he knows what he needs to do to get better.

That should be exciting to hear for fans of Big Blue. Lawrence rookie season was still graded as one of the best ever for a Giants rookie, and he is just beginning to tap into his full potential.