The Giants’ Most Overlooked Draft Pick Could Be Their Biggest Defensive Upgrade
Not every franchise-altering move makes headlines. Sometimes, it’s the quieter additions — the ones that slip under the radar — that end up making the biggest impact.
While the New York Giants made waves this offseason by drafting star linebacker Abdul Carter and bringing in proven veterans like Paulson Adebo and Jevon Holland, one of their smartest moves may have come in the third round of the NFL Draft: selecting Darius Alexander.
A Hidden Gem in the Trenches
Alexander, the 65th overall pick out of Toledo, might not have had top-10 hype, but his tape screams NFL-ready. At 6-foot-4 and 310 pounds, he racked up 37 pressures, 4 sacks, and 27 tackles across 630 snaps last season — impressive numbers for an interior lineman.
What separates Alexander is his blend of raw strength and refined technique. He wins with leverage, sheds blocks effortlessly, and creates disruption far beyond what his draft slot would suggest. He’s not just a big body — he’s a difference-maker.
Finally, a True Partner for Dexter Lawrence
Since trading away Leonard Williams in 2023, the Giants have struggled to find a reliable presence next to Dexter Lawrence. Last season was a rotating cast — including Rakeem Nunez-Roches — but none delivered consistent production.
Enter Alexander.
Though slightly older than your typical rookie at 24, his maturity and polished game could allow him to contribute from day one. He’s ready to bring immediate impact to a line that sorely needs it.
Dexter Lawrence
Three-Down Potential, Immediate Upside
Alexander isn’t just a run-stopper. He’s shown enough pass-rushing juice to stay on the field in all situations. That kind of versatility is gold for modern NFL defenses.
And with Lawrence constantly drawing double teams, Alexander should see favorable one-on-one matchups early — and often. If he takes advantage, he could lock down a starting role by midseason.
A Building Block for the Future
With general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll focusing on rebuilding the defense from the inside out, Alexander fits right into their long-term vision. Alongside key additions like Holland, Adebo, and Carter, he adds youth, upside, and much-needed depth to a unit looking to turn the corner.
He may not be the flashiest name from the Giants’ offseason, but don’t be surprised if Darius Alexander becomes the unsung hero of this defense — a steady force in the trenches and possibly one of the steals of the 2025 draft.
By the time this season ends, fans and analysts alike may be wondering how he wasn’t a first-round pick.
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