(Photo: Clutchpoints)
We always label schools for producing players at specific positions, and over time those programs earn nicknames tied to that reputation. A perfect example is Ohio State Buckeyes football, which is known as “Wide Receiver U.” Just look at the big names who have played for the Scarlet and Gray, such as Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Meanwhile, Iowa Hawkeyes football is known as “Tight End U,” with players like George Kittle, Sam LaPorta, and T. J. Hockenson all coming through the program. The Clemson Tigers football have also produced some dominant defensive lines over the years. I still remember their 2016 group, with Austin Bryant and Clelin Ferrell on the edge, and a force on the interior in Dexter Lawrence. The New York Giants drafted Lawrence in 2019 with the 17th overall pick, and he has since become one of their best players. Rumors recently surfaced that the big man wanted out of New York and was seeking a trade. He got his wish, as he has been dealt to the Cincinnati Bengals. In return, the Giants received the 10th overall pick in this upcoming draft.
Dexter is arguably the best defensive tackle in the league. He’s as complete as they come—able to stop the run, rush the passer, clog interior lanes, and command double or even triple teams. That, in turn, allows the players around him to flow freely and swarm to the football. Let’s talk about the motor he displays. He’s incredibly quick off the snap, and honestly, no man weighing around 340 pounds should be moving as fast as he does. Dexter has strong footwork and can get wherever he wants because his feet complement his skill set. That footwork, combined with quick, active hands, is what makes him stand out. When you think of most interior defensive linemen, you assume their primary job is to stuff running lanes—and trust me, Dexter does that—but he has also become one of the most dominant players at his position. He consistently disrupts plays before they even develop. His lateral movement is exceptional, allowing him to stunt, loop, and chase plays down better than most nose tackles. He built his reputation as an elite run stopper and is incredibly difficult to move off the line of scrimmage. Dexter plays with strong gap discipline and rarely overcommits. Against inside runs, he’s one of the best at forcing runners to bounce outside and collapsing space. Over the years, he has added pass-rushing moves to his arsenal, including club-swims, bull rushes, and improved hand usage. There have been plenty of times where he’s driven offensive linemen straight back into the quarterback’s lap. Simply put, Dexter has every trait you want in an interior defender.
This move finally happened, and I like it for both sides. This Thursday, the Giants will have two picks in the top 10—the fifth and now the tenth overall pick, courtesy of Cincinnati. On the Bengals’ side, they gain a high-impact defender who can help anchor the defense. On paper, it looks like this improves the Bengals’ defense—but they still have to play the games, and we’ll have to see how it all unfolds.
