Dexter Lawrence continues to ascend amongst the NFL’s best.
The New York Giants defensive lineman has come in at No. 17 in the NFL’s top 100. This is Lawrence’s third consecutive season in the top 100, coming in at 28th in 2023 and 24th in 2024. Lawrence now also has the distinct honor of being the highest ranking defender on the list for the Giants.
Lawrence has been a dominate force since being drafted by the Giants in 2019. The defensive lineman is coming off his third consecutive Pro Bowl season and has earned second team All-Pro honors twice in his career. Philadelphia Eagles tackle Lane Johnson perfectly sums up what it is like to be lined up on the other side.
“I lined against him one time. He lined up at linebacker,” Johnson said. “It felt like I had a S.W.A.T. team door hit me in the chest. He kind of does what he wants when he wants.”
Despite only playing 12 games in 2024, Lawrence was still able to finish the season with nine sacks and eight tackles for loss. Getting into the backfield is a habit for the defensive lineman so running backs are also familiar with the force Lawrence can bring. “It’s just a nightmare. It’s just a big blob of nightmare.” Former New Orleans Saints running back Jamaal Williams stated. “Don’t even look at the A gaps. Duo, don’t run it. Nine out of 10 times (he’s) in the back field. That one time it’s probably because he’s just tired.”
Lawrence joins wide receiver Malik Nabers for Giants players listed on the NFL Top 100. Nabers made his NFL Top 100 debut at No. 67.
