Just when New York Giants fans thought the 2025 Draft class was bringing the juice with Abdul Carter, Jaxson Dart, and Cam Skattebo, another name has suddenly entered the conversation: Enter defensive tackle Darius Alexander.
For years, Big Blue’s defensive line has needed a viable sidekick for Dexter “Sexy Dexy” Lawrence. It took a while, but they might have finally found one in the third-rounder out of Toledo. The 6-foot-4, 310-pound athletic lineman struggled mightily during the preseason, and after a slow start to the regular season, it looks like things are turning around for the 65th pick.
Week 5 might just prove to be the coming-out party for Big Blue’s newest shiny defensive weapon. Alexander had to take on an increased role with Lawrence not being 100 percent, battling an illness. He took full advantage of the opportunity with a tackle for loss and two quarterback pressures on 27 snaps. If there were ever a time for the rookie to step up, it’s now.
Darius Alexander’s emergence gives Giants defense a major lift
Coming out of college, the 25-year-old was viewed as a more polished run stopper than pass rusher, but it’s actually been his pass-rushing prowess that’s been on display during this mini breakout. Just ask Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler.
Had it not been for a lazy defensive pass interference call on cornerback Deonte Banks, Alexander’s pressure on Rattler would have forced an interception. He blew up another play by collapsing the pocket for a three-yard TFL. He used his arm length and strength to his advantage, clearly putting up the best game of his young career.
Defensive coordinator Shane Bowen was impressed by the rookie's breakout performance, telling reporters postgame:
"It hasn't been a flash in the pan, one-time thing. So, like the trajectory he's going. Credit to him, he's worked and he's overcame where he was early on in the year and he's taken strides and I think he's improving every week."Shane Bowen
Bowen's analysis aligns with what the advanced metrics are saying — this young man is truly coming into his own. His 12.3% pass-rush win rate ranks third among all rookie interior defensive linemen.
It’s becoming evident he’ll need to work on his run defense, along with fighting through double teams. But the one-on-one battles have been encouraging, which is more than you can say for just about anything else happening on this team at the moment.
There aren’t too many things to celebrate right now as a Giants fan, but Darius Alexander’s emergence is one of them. Between him, Carter, Dart, and Skattebo, this class is looking like the real deal. What better way to continue his ascension than against the hated Philadelphia Eagles in Week 6 under the lights on Thursday night? Here’s to hoping for an increased role and increased production.