Dexter Lawrence might’ve been too sexy for his shirt... and for the final two years of his deal with the Giants, but that doesn’t mean all hope is lost in New York -- quite the contrary.
On Saturday night, the Giants traded Big Dex to the Cincinnati Bengals for the 10th overall pick in the 2026 Draft. That’s insane value for a 28-year-old coming off the worst season of his career, after a season-ending elbow injury the year before. What that trade really gives the G-Men is an opportunity. A very special one.
It’s not every day that a team can replace the production of a two-time Second Team All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowler, and if they can, they have to. The 2026 defensive tackle class is considered to be deep, especially on the first two days. Now, armed with the 10th pick, the Giants have options they didn’t necessarily have before, including the option to take the best defensive tackle in the class.
Giants insider Jordan Raanan posted after the trade that Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald is the “perfect” fit for the new defense John Harbaugh will want to run in North Jersey, putting the 6-foot-2, 325-pounder firmly in play for their newly acquired pick.
Kayden McDonald could be Giants’ plan to replace Dexter Lawrence
To say McDonald is ready to come in and have the same impact Big Dex has would be a horrific overstatement. Yes, he's the best DT prospect of the class, but when healthy, Dex is arguably the best DT in the league.
He's been failed by terrible coordinators and shoddy rosters, but he has consistently been a force when he's on the field. And the former Buckeye could have a similar career arc.
People forget that when Dex was coming out of Clemson, he wasn't necessarily expected to become a pass-rushing demon at the next level. He was a 6-foot-4, 340-pound run-stuffer who was viewed as an ideal interior presence on early downs. It just so happens that he turned his enormous frame and athleticism into something so much more than just a guy who can delete the ground game.
Which is why McDonald is such an interesting selection at 10.
McDonald brings the same kind of presence against the run that made Dex such a problem. He’s strong at the point of attack, eats double teams for breakfast, and clogs everything up inside. The pass rush isn’t fully there yet, but neither was it for Lawrence coming out. There are flashes of quickness and pocket push, and it’s easy to see how that part of his game can grow over time, just like No. 97.
The Giants aren't going to replace Big Dex overnight. That’s not how this works. But if they’re going to take a swing at it, McDonald is about as logical a starting point as any.
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