DL – Dexter Lawrence
Career stats: 91 total tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks
For as dominant an interior run-stuffer as Dexter Lawrence is, he’s sneakily adept at pressuring the quarterback, as well.
Last season, Lawrence finished as Pro Football Focus’ 17th ranked interior defender, and produced a 73.2 pass-rush grade thanks in part to his 29 pressures in 348 pass-rush snaps.
Lawrence’s bull in a china closet 6-foot-4 and 345-pound frame make him a matchup nightmare for opposing centers and offensive guards.
Each of his first two seasons, Lawrence improved his sack output, and as he continues to gain experience as well as time playing alongside Leonard Williams, there is little reason to doubt that that trend will continue.
Given Lawrence’s importance along the NY Giants’ defensive line, potentially an improved edge presence forcing quarterbacks to step up in the pocket — possibly into Lawrence’s grasp — his pass-rush output could increase — possibly dramatically this season.