While the NY Giants' defense has been subpar in recent years, there has been one ray of hope. Sixth-year interior lineman Dexter Lawrence has transformed into one of the best players on the defensive front in the NFL.
The fan-favorite has garnered league-wide attention across the past few campaigns, so it should come as no surprise to learn where he was ranked on the annual PFF50. PFF's Sam Monson listed Lawrence as the league's No. 11 overall player, the highest ranking for a NY player since Odell Beckham Jr. in 2017. What do we think, Big Blue fans?
Total pressures when lined up as a true nose tackle over the last 2 years:
— PFF (@PFF) July 19, 2024
🤯 Dexter Lawrence - 81
🤯 Next best - 16
The 50 best players in the NFL: https://t.co/3XQSrKGgHE pic.twitter.com/y3UALrDwKT
PFF ranks Dexter Lawrence the No. 11 player in the NFL going into 2024
"Dexter Lawrence is rewriting what was thought to be possible at the nose tackle position. Over the past two seasons, his resume includes 81 quarterback pressures when lining up either head-up over the center or shaded to either side of the center. The next-closest player has 16. Lawrence disrupts the game from a true nose-tackle alignment better than any player PFF has seen over the past 18 seasons. He is a truly unique athlete who is only getting better."PFF's Sam Monson
One year after being ranked No. 29 overall in the PFF50, Lawrence leaped 18 spots to No. 11. While “Sexy Dexy” finished just outside of the Top 10, he was still ranked ahead of the likes of Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and T.J. Watt. That is a spot Giants fans will gladly accept for their superstar player.
In 2023, Lawrence recorded 4.5 sacks, seven tackles for loss, and 41 QB pressures. For the second straight season, he made the Pro Bowl and All-Pro team. He has established himself as one of the best defensive players in the league and the NFL’s second-best interior lineman behind Chris Jones — regardless of what Jets fans may try to tell you about Quinnen Williams (who PFF ranked No. 27 on the list).
Lawrence should be better than ever in 2024. With star EDGE Brian Burns in the mix, he now has a teammate who will take the load off him on the defensive line. Lawrence should receive fewer double teams and more 1-on-1 assignments. Guarding those two will not be an easy task for NY's opponents.
There is no doubt that Lawrence will continue to shred opposing offensive lines this season. If he continues to play at this level, it might be enough for him to crack a Top 10 spot on PFF’s list next season.