The New York Giants continue to add depth and upside to the trenches.
Entering the 2025 NFL Draft, one of the biggest needs on the roster was the interior defensive line. Finding depth alongside All-Pro talent Dexter Lawrence was crucial.
In doing so, New York used the No. 65 overall pick on Toledo defensive tackle Darius Alexander.
At 6-foot-3 and 305 pounds, Alexander appeared in 58 games while making 27 starts at Toledo. He recorded 9.0 sacks and 22 tackles for loss throughout his collegiate career, but he wasn't a starter until the final two seasons.
Alexander figures to slot into the rotation behind Rakeem Nunez-Roches while competing with 2024 undrafted free agent Elijah Chatman.
Here's how the NFL experts graded the Giants' selection of Alexander:
Giants NFL draft grades for Darius Alexander
Scott Dochterman, The Athletic: A
Dochterman: "The Giants already took the draft’s best pass rusher, Abdul Carter, and now grab Alexander, who has incredible physical ability. Overlooked at Toledo, Alexander flashed during the Senior Bowl practice, where he was named the National Team’s top defensive lineman. Great value selection."
Trapasso: "Ultimate defensive front seven chess piece. Clearly has DT size but aligned everywhere -- even at linebacker -- and made splash plays for Toledo last season. Has forceful style at the point of attack in classic interior rush role. Not super twitchy but a loose athlete. Hand work could be a touch more efficient. Love this addition for an ascending Giants defense. Options galore with Alexander."
Acosta: "This one is a lot of fun! Alexander is an older prospect, but you can’t ignore his consistent pressure across multiple alignments both at Toledo and at the Senior Bowl. I wonder where he plays, but on 3rd downs he, Dexter Lawrence, Abdul Carter and others will be really cool."
Matt Verderame, Sports Illustrated: A-
Verderame: "Alexander spent five years with Toledo, playing in 58 games. Over the past three seasons, he posted 8.5 sacks and 20 tackles for loss while earning second-team All-MAC honors in 2024. At 6' 4" and 305 pounds, Alexander will play inside while having the potential to be an immediate, plug-and-play starter."
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