The New York Giants selected Toledo defensive tackle Darius Alexander with the first pick of the third round, No. 65 overall, in the 2025 NFL Draft on Friday evening.
Alexander was the third pick of the draft for the Giants, who had already beefed up their defensive front with the selection of edge rusher Abdul Carter at No. 3 overall on Thursday. The Giants also drafted quarterback Jaxson Dart on Thursday night — that move cost them their second-round pick, likely leaving Alexander to be their lone addition Friday night.
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But it was an important one, as the Giants needed to find a running mate for nose tackle Dexter Lawrence on the interior. Entering the draft, it stuck out as one of the biggest holes on the roster. And it always seemed likely Alexander could become a Giants, as he visited the Giants during the pre-draft process. Historically, that has been a major indicator of GM Joe Schoen’s interest in the past. Turns out, it was once again.
Alexander recorded 40 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks in 12 games during his final season at Toledo.
‘The Beast’ breakdown
Alexander ranked No. 61 in Dane Brugler’s top 300 big board. Here’s what Brugler had to say about him in his annual NFL Draft guide:
“A two-year starter at Toledo, Alexander played primarily the three-technique position in defensive coordinator Vince Kehres’ hybrid front. The Rockets’ coaches initially played him at offensive tackle his first year in the program before moving him to the defensive line. His development was more gradual than immediate in college, but he flashed high-end ability over his final two seasons (led the team in pressures created in 2023 and 2024) and didn’t disappoint under the microscope at Senior Bowl practices.
“Alexander is rangy defending the run, with the body fluidity and length to displace blocks. He has shown an improved ability to feel the rhythm of blocks to work off contact, but needs to streamline his pass rush with more consistent leverage and sequencing. Overall, Alexander isn’t yet the full sum of his impressive parts, but his blend of power, length and athletic body control give him the makings of a three-down, scheme-versatile NFL starter. He projects best in an attacking role, where he’d be able to maximize his disruptive traits. His peak plays are reminiscent of Leonard Williams.”
Scott Dochterman grades the pick
The Giants took the draft’s best pass rusher in Carter and then grabbed Alexander (6-3 7/8, 305), 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. He ran a 4.95-second 40-yard dash and boasts 34-inch arms. Great value selection. Grade: A
How he fits
The Giants invested heavily in their defense this offseason, spending in free agency to upgrade their secondary and then using the third pick on Carter. That left defensive tackle as the biggest hole on the defense, which they addressed by taking Alexander.
Alexander should complement Lawrence as a penetrating three-technique. Although he turns 25 in August, the Giants view Alexander as a “high-ceiling” player who has room to grow.
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Depth-chart impact
The Giants are loaded with veteran defensive linemen, so that will ease Alexander’s transition. He won’t be expected to come in as an immediate starter because the Giants have players like Rakeem Nunez-Roches, Roy Robertson-Harris and Jeremiah Ledbetter to rotate with Alexander alongside Lawrence on the defensive line.
Alexander brings more pass-rush juice than most of those veterans, so he could carve out a niche on passing downs early in his career.
They also could have picked …
Alexander was the logical target with the way the draft unfolded. If the Giants were going to go in a different direction, adding an offensive player would have made sense. Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson and Purdue offensive lineman Marcus Mbow stick out as offensive players the Giants showed interest in during the pre-draft process who were still available.
Fast evaluation
The Giants’ front seven should be a strength this season. The draft additions of Carter and Alexander to join Lawrence, Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux give the Giants a formidable group. The Giants don’t need Alexander to be a star, but he should be a useful rotation piece initially. And if he reaches his potential, he’ll take the Giants’ defensive line to another level.
(Photo: Mark J. Rebilas / USA Today via Imagn Images)
This news was originally published on this post .
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