There hasn’t been much for New York Giants fans to hang their hats on lately. But if you’re starting to gravitate toward the Kool-Aid cooler, no one’s blaming you for sneaking a sip.
For all the nightmarish football over the past couple of seasons, things are finally starting to tilt in the right direction. Winning and star power haven’t been synonymous with East Rutherford in over a decade, but that might actually be changing. There’s a new quarterback room, a revamped secondary, and legitimate top-tier talent starting to break through the cracks.
The offense should improve by default... it couldn't get any worse if it tried. But it’s the defense—and the guy at the center of it—that just got the recognition he’s long deserved.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler dropped his annual rankings after polling more than 70 execs, coaches, and scouts, and Dexter Lawrence landed at No. 1 among all defensive tackles heading into 2025. He beat out potential future Hall of Famer Chris Jones and up-and-coming star Jalen Carter for the top spot, with his lowest vote coming in at fifth. After finishing third last year, it felt like only a matter of time.
Dexter Lawrence is officially the best defensive tackle in football
Lawrence's ascension didn't come out of nowhere. He's been a terror ever since the Giants selected the former Clemson Tiger with the 17th pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. Since then, he's only improved on his game, solidifying himself as the best defensive tackle in football.
Sexy Dex’s calling card was always his run-stopping ability, but it’s been his pass-rushing jump that’s taken him to a different level. He’s a 340-pound mammoth with footwork, flexibility, and balance that makes you question physics. Last season, he posted nine sacks (career-high), along with the second-highest overall grade (89.9) from Pro Football Focus, the second-best run defense grade (83.8), and the eighth-best pass rush grade (81.4).
Had he not gotten hurt, Lawrence's numbers could have been even more impressive.
One NFL personnel director told Fowler, "I thought he should have been [Defensive Player of the Year] with the season he had."
With real help around him for the first time in years—a healthy Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux on the edges, and rookie Abdul Carter flying in behind—Lawrence won’t be the only threat offensive lines have to key in on anymore. And that might be exactly what unlocks this group. Add in Jevón Holland and Paulson Adebo in the secondary, and all of a sudden, this team's got something.
The double teams that followed Lawrence on nearly 75% of his snaps last year will be harder to justify when there’s legit heat coming from everywhere. And that’s where his impact starts to compound. His ability to draw attention opens up more one-on-one chances for everyone else. If Carter comes as advertised and Burns and Thibs stay healthy, this front could start doing serious damage.
Maybe it’s not time to go all-in on the Kool-Aid just yet, but Lawrence grabbing the top spot at his position—especially given the competition—gives Giants fans something they haven’t had in a while: a real reason to believe things will get better. Star power like this doesn’t show up often... anymore, at least. And if the rest of the defense follows his lead, this team might finally turn the corner.