Pro Football Focus released a list on Tuesday ranking the highest graded player on every NFL team. According to this list, rookie defensive linemen Dexter Lawrence is the highest-graded New York Giant (82.8) through the first nine games of the season.
After acquiring the 17th overall pick from the Cleveland Browns last March in the Odell Beckham Jr. trade, Giants general manager selected Clemson defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence in the first round.
Selected in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Lawrence is already one of the NFL’s best run defenders. In addition to his 82.8 overall grade, Lawrence has earned an 88.0 run-defense grade that ranks sixth at his position so far this season.
Since the start of the regular season, Lawrence has made his presence felt in the middle of the Giants’ defensive line recording 26 tackles and two for a loss in nine starts. This helped earn his 88.0 run-defense grade, good for sixth-best in the league at his position, as previously mentioned.
Coming out of college, scouts labeled Lawrence exclusively as a nose tackle. Despite being considered a one-dimensional player, the Clemson Tigers product has proven these critics wrong with his play on the field as he has seen time lined up in a one, three and five technique.
One of the most impressive plays of his young NFL career came last Monday night against the Dallas Cowboys. When lined up in the three-technique, Lawrence blew up Cowboys right tackle La’el Collins driving him into the backfield to drop running back Zeke Elliot for a loss (see below).
Not only has Lawrence excelled as a run stopper, but he has showcased his pass rushing ability with 2.5 sacks, three hurries, five hits and 10 pressures, as well.
In a disappointing 2-8 start to Big Blue’s season, Lawrence has been one of the few bright spots. There is little doubt this kid has a positive future ahead of him and his rookie season provides a glimmer of hope in the Giants long term blueprint.
