New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence is viewed among the elite players at his position entering the 2024 season.
In ranking the top interior defenders in the NFL, Gordon McGuiness of Pro Football Focus put Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones at the top of the list.
Right behind him at No. 2, however, is Lawrence.
What separates Lawrence from other defensive tackles is his elite pass-rushing production, primarily from a nose tackle alignment. Others may be nose tackles in name only, but Lawrence has 81 total pressures over the past two seasons when lined up as a nose tackle. No other player has more than 16.
Lawrence has been an incredible pass-rusher from the interior for the Giants over the last few seasons. A two-time Pro Bowler (2022-2023), the former first-round pick has given the Giants a strong return on investment.
This is despite lining up mostly at the nose and the one-technique, which is a position primarily reserved for run-stoppers.
Lawrence is no slouch in that area either. His 89.5 run defense grade ranks third best among all interior defenders as was his 11.9% run-stop percentage among qualified defensive tackles.
The Giants gave Lawrence some help on the edge this offseason with the acquisition of Brian Burns, but the former will continue to be the engine of the Big Blue defense in 2024.
For more Giants coverage, check out Kevin Hickey's work on Sporting News.
