New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II was surprisingly excluded from a recent ranking of the NFL‘s top defensive tackles. This unexpected omission stands out especially given Lawrence’s strong performances and critical role for the Giants across multiple seasons.
Establishing Dominance Since the 2019 Draft
Selected in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft from Clemson, Lawrence has grown into a key defensive player in the league. Measuring 6-foot-4 and weighing 340 pounds, he consistently challenges opposing offenses by disrupting both running and passing plays. Over his initial six seasons, Lawrence has improved steadily, becoming a central figure in the Giants’ defensive front.
His career statistics underscore his impact: 310 tackles, 30 sacks, five forced fumbles, and 266 total pressures. These impressive numbers highlight his ability to demand respect from offensive lines, making him a significant problem for opponents.
Controversy Surrounding the Latest Rankings
Despite these achievements, Pro Football and Sports Network’s recent evaluation left Lawrence out of their top 10 defensive tackle seasons since 2019. This decision is particularly puzzling considering Lawrence’s outstanding 2024 campaign, which was interrupted by an elbow injury.
Although he missed part of the season, the nature of injuries in football makes this a known risk. The exclusion is even more questionable as the list includes players such as Cameron Heyward from Pittsburgh and Zach Allen of Denver, who, while having solid seasons, recorded fewer sacks than Lawrence. These players’ teams advanced to the playoffs, yet their individual statistical output does not surpass that of Lawrence.
Strong 2024 Season Despite Injury
Lawrence’s 2024 season was notable, even with a shortened schedule. In just 12 games, he posted a career-high nine sacks, maintained his streak of five straight seasons with at least 40 tackles, and added 36 pressures, eight tackles for loss, one forced fumble, and one pass deflection. These statistics would have positioned him among the league’s elite defensive tackles.
Implications for Evaluation and What’s Next
This omission raises questions about how individual performances are assessed, especially when factoring in injuries and team achievements. As the Giants gear up for the next season, expectations remain high for Lawrence to build on his success and confirm his status as one of the NFL’s top defensive tackles. His continued progression will be crucial for New York’s defensive ambitions moving forward.