Is Dexter Lawrence ready to become NY Giants’ best defensive player?

The NY Giants’ mammoth defensive tackle is set to break out in year three, as NFL insiders are beginning to take notice of Dexter Lawrence.

The NY Giants are going to field a strong defensive line this season.

Anchored by Leonard Williams and Dexter Lawrence, this group has the chance to do special things and shine in 2021. Good luck running against the Giants’ front line, there is an abundance of size, speed, strength, and talent in all shapes and sizes.

Lawrence may in fact become the centerpiece of not just the defensive line, but maybe the entire defense as a whole. Lawrence has gotten better in each of his first two NFL seasons and will only ascend upwards from here.

FanSided National NFL Insider Matt Lombardo spoke to NFL executives, coaches, and scouts on the Giants’ top player not named Saquon Barkley. The results were that Williams and Lawrence have the chance to take the spot as the Giants’ best player on the defense.

One NFC Defensive Line coach spoke glowingly of Dexter Lawrence.

"“For them, it comes down to Dexter Lawrence. Things start up front, and he is as disruptive as they come. Dexter is really trending in the right direction to be an elite player” – NFC defensive line coach"

Lawrence was a disruptive force in both the run and pass game. He’s an immovable force in the middle at 340 pounds and he’s very quick for a man his size and uses his athleticism to his gain. Lawrence improved his sack totals from his rookie year of 2.5 sacks to four sacks in year two.

An opposing NFC offensive lineman remarked that “Dexter Lawrence was a really good player upfront, when we played them”. Lawrence is garnering the respect of his peers and proving himself to be a force to be reckoned with amongst other players in the NFL.

Lastly, an NFC Pro Personnel Director spoke on the condition of anonymity about the Giants’ roster.

"“It’s not a great roster overall, but Dexter Lawrence and Leonard Williams are two of their better players.”"

The Pro Personnel Director isn’t super high on the overall roster but he is impressed by the Giants’ defensive line. It will start with Dexter Lawrence setting the tempo in the middle of the defense. He will clog up space, eat up oncoming double-teams, and look to continue to get better in the pass-rushing department. Lawrence should shine in year three as the NY Giants look to improve in a big prove-it season.