NFL Execs Crown Giants Star in Stunning Rankings Reveal
How did the New York Giants get here? We all know the answer to that question. It's only being asked for effect.
A once-proud organization... Four Lombardi Trophies... At this rate, it feels it will be a while before the fifth is won. This was one of those organizations that was viewed among the model franchises, but that was a while ago.
Dexter Lawrence II #97, New York Giants (Photo by)
Dexter Lawrence II #97, New York Giants (Photo by)
Photo byAnyone forced to endure this lull might forget that this is the same franchise that gave the world Bill Parcells and Lawrence Taylor. This organization is 2-0 vs. Tom Brady and the New England Patriots, but they haven't been able to shake one narrative that has followed them for quite some time.
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This is also the organization that let Saquon Barkley leave and win a Super Bowl with a division rival. The coming season approaches, and no one expects the Giants to climb out of the cellar in the NFC East division.
When that's what a team wakes up hearing about itself and when there isn't much to cheer for, fans and the media will take good news anywhere they can find it. Who would have thought? Good news comes from the Worldwide Leader in sports.
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NFL Front Office Members Name Dexter Lawrence as the NFL's Top DT
Here's something worth checking out. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler polled NFL executives, coaches, and scouts asking them to rank the game's top defensive tackles.
Dexter Lawrence II landed atop the list. It isn't often that we hear the Giants being complimented, but this one is on time for fans of the G-Men.
"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."
Those were the words of an unnamed NFL executive. It's been a long time since we heard the Giants were the best at something, but this isn't any fluke. Lawrence could very well be the best in the game. And, Fowler probably sums this up best.
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"Lawrence's game reached a new stratosphere in 2024, when he expanded his arsenal and added a nine-sack season to an already stellar résumé.
Dominating the run was always on the agenda for Lawrence. He has the balance, power, flexibility, footwork and acumen to post big sack numbers. In the past, the knock on Lawrence was that he missed too many near-sacks... No longer."
Fowler continues... "Lawrence racked up quarterback takedowns while facing a 74.5% double-team rate, higher than any other interior lineman. The Giants saw him improve his ability to transition off blocks, be great on the move and finish takedowns... The Giants will need to scheme Lawrence to keep four hands off him. Adding Abdul Carter to an already good defensive line will help."
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Rounding out the rest of the top ten are Chris Jones, Jalen Carter, Jeffery Simmons, Quinnen Williams, Leonard Williams, Nnamdi Madubuike, DeForest Buckner, Vit Vea, and Cameron Heyward. Lawrence is in a class of his own though. It's good to see him get his just due.
For more New York Giants and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports
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