The New York Giants’ first preseason game against the Buffalo Bills isn’t going to mean much in the standings, but it could mean plenty for guys fighting to prove they belong in the rotation. That’s where Darius Alexander comes in.
The rookie defensive lineman was taken 65th overall for a 340-pound reason. He’s big, he’s athletic, and he fits exactly what general manager Joe Schoen and defensive coordinator Shane Bowen want next to Dexter Lawrence. But training camp hasn’t been smooth sailing. An injury kept him out of most of the spring, and while there have been flashes in camp, there’s also been a lot of “getting his feet under him” and working back into form.
Now Buffalo’s offensive line, or at least whatever they throw out in the preseason, will be his first chance to put something on tape. And if Alexander wants to push Rakeem Nunez-Roches for the spot next to Sexy Dexy on Sundays... it starts Saturday.
Darius Alexander set for big preseason debut vs Bills
The G-Men need somebody to step up. Nacho has the veteran edge, but he's a finished product and just hasn't moved the needle. Behind him, it’s a mix of rotation guys like Jeremiah Ledbetter, Roy Robertson-Harris, Elijah Chatman, and Jordon Riley... none of whom are expected to do much. Alexander's situation is different.
The Bills game is the perfect testing ground. He should get plenty of snaps against second- and third-team offensive linemen, which is where a player with his measurables (6-foot-4, 310 pounds) should dominate.
If he’s consistently winning off the snap, shedding blocks, and clogging up run lanes, it’s gold stars all around. If he’s getting thrown around or caught out of position, the rotation battle drags on without him gaining much ground. So far, he hasn't shown he can physically beat opposing linemen... which is a pretty big problem.
After all, the 24-year-old didn't work out with Lawrence this offseason for nothing. It's time to start the preseason off with a bang.
This is the kind of game that can give him some real momentum for the rest of the preseason. Bowen’s going to keep rotating guys in and out all August, so the key is being the guy who makes the staff do a double take watching tape.
If Alexander’s putting in work against the ground game and giving some interior pass-rush pop, he could make the decision tougher on the coaches. So, just get a head start by making a good first impression in Buffalo.
The Giants took Alexander because they know he can be the perfect complement to Lawrence on the interior. The fit looks great on paper — but paper doesn't play games. He hasn't done much to suggest he's ready to start, but what better way to let the team know you're ready than to make a statement right off the bat? Alexander will be a name to watch for sure.