When the New York Giants selected defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence with their second pick in the first round in the 2019 NFL Draft, they hoped they were getting a cornerstone defensive player for years to come.
What they may not have known was that they were getting an extremely dedicated player in the Clemson product.
Lawrence had a solid rookie year and showed signs of real talent, but he remains focused on playing much better in Year 2.
Recently, a rather large tattoo of the Giants logo was spotted on Lawrence’s arm. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Lawrence told reporters on Tuesday that he hired a trainer and chef this offseason in an effort to improve his personal health and increase his stamina so that he can be more of a factor in the fourth quarter this season.
Giants DT Dexter Lawrence (6-4, 342) "didn't like my build" last year, so he got a personal chef and focused more on nutrition during the offseason. "I just want to feel good," he said. "Don't take any steps back." He said he wanted to be in better condition. pic.twitter.com/PuOKFBKo8V
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RVacchianoSNY) August 18, 2020
Although Lawrence did drop weight, he did note that he was less focused on the number and more focused on being in better shape. He also placed an emphasis on learning more about his position.
Dexter Lawrence says he got a chef, worked on portion control and dropped some weight. Why? Wanted to “feel better.” Wouldn’t put a number on his weight loss. Says he’s going to weigh what he weighs. #giants
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) August 18, 2020
Dexter Lawrence: I needed to work on a lot of things…I educated myself more on my position.
— Dan Salomone (@NYGsalomone) August 18, 2020
Lawrence hasn’t been the only one to work on getting into more desirable football shape. Lawrence has noticed a change in quarterback Daniel Jones, who was also drafted in the 2019 draft:
Dexter Lawrence on bulked-up Daniel Jones: “He’s definitely looking a little buff out there. He felt like he needed a little more beef.”
— Paul Schwartz (@NYPost_Schwartz) August 18, 2020
With a new coaching staff in place, the Giants hope to finally turn their negative fortunes around and it’s through young players with the dedication of Lawrence that they’ll be able to accomplish that goal.
