Giants Bolster Defensive Line with Underrated Draft Gem Darius Alexander
After a rough 2024 season defending the run, the New York Giants knew they had to upgrade their interior defensive line. While star lineman Dexter Lawrence II continues to anchor the front with elite run-stopping and pass-rushing ability, the rest of the unit struggled. The Giants gave up the sixth-most rushing yards and were tied for the eleventh-most rushing touchdowns last year. Rakeem Nunez-Roches was their second-best interior pass rusher—with just two sacks, a number that highlights the need for reinforcements.
To address this, the Giants made key moves in the offseason. They signed veteran Roy Robertson-Harris in March and added a promising young talent in the draft.
Enter Darius Alexander: A Sleeper Pick with Big-Time Upside
With the 65th overall pick in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Giants selected Darius Alexander, a standout defensive lineman from Toledo. Though he flew under the radar playing in the Group of Five rather than a Power Five program, Alexander was dominant on the field. Over his college career, he racked up 23 tackles for loss and 9 sacks. He earned Third-Team All-MAC honors in 2023 and improved to Second-Team All-MAC in 2024.
His redshirt senior season was his best yet: 40 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and a pick-six in 12 games. According to PFF, he also posted 37 quarterback pressures, a 12.9% pass-rush win rate, 23 run stops, and a 7.9% run-stop rate—numbers that show his versatility and high motor.
Signed and Ready to Compete
Alexander has signed a four-year rookie contract worth approximately $6.76 million, including a $1.56 million signing bonus. His projected cap hits range from $1.229 million in 2025 to $2.151 million in 2028. If he performs well, he’ll be eligible for a contract extension after his third season.
Instant Impact? Don’t Count Him Out
Alexander is expected to compete for a starting role right away. With Rakeem Nunez-Roches possibly on the roster bubble, Alexander has a legitimate shot at becoming the third starter on the interior alongside Lawrence and Robertson-Harris. His ability to disrupt both the run and the pass gives him a real chance to carve out a significant role in 2025.
The Giants are hoping Alexander’s talent translates quickly to the NFL—and if it does, he could prove to be one of the steals of the draft.
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