It is not a surprise that New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence is ranked as the top defensive tackle in the NFL. Lawrence has put himself into that category with his play on the field over the last couple of seasons for the Giants.

New York is lucky to have him to anchor the defensive line in the middle. He is only 27 years old and has many more productive years ahead of him. Lawrence has not won a defensive player of the year award yet in his NFL career, but could one be in his calling cards for the future? Someone thought he should have been in the conversation for it during the 2024 NFL season.
NFL Personnel Director Makes Surprising Take About New York Giants Defensive Tackle Dexter Lawrence

Jeremy Fowler of espn.com talked to many different executives, coaches, and scouts about the top defensive tackles in the NFL. It is not a shock that Lawrence is ranked number one on the list, but there is some surprising intel on the Giants star defensive tackle. An NFL Personnel Director said about him,
“I thought he should have been [Defensive Player of the Year] with the season he had. He’s a true zero-technique nose who can occupy doubles and neutralize the run game. I think he took his pass rush to a different level, and I think he would have had double-digit sacks if (Brian) Burns and (Kayvon) Thibodeaux stayed healthy. A true three-down game wrecker who needs attention every single snap.”
Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II won the defensive player of the year award in 2024. There is a chance that Lawrence could be in the conversation in 2025 for it, especially if the Giants are knocking on the door for a postseason berth. During the 2024 NFL season, Lawrence recorded 44 tackles, nine sacks, one forced fumble, and one pass deflection.
He has faced some double teams, but it doesn’t matter in reality. New York’s defense is only going to get better because they added Abdul Carter and Darius Alexander in the 2025 NFL Draft. There is a chance that there may be no double teams on their defensive front. Lawrence has a chance to record double digit sacks in 2025. The NFL Personnel Director may have said something surprising, but they could be onto something with him moving forward.
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