The New York Giants invested several high-end assets into their defense this offseason. The goal, it seems, is to make the defense the team’s identity again. After all, their two most recent Super Bowls came on the heels of a relentless pass rush. Third overall pick Abdul Carter seems like the obvious choice to be the defense’s X-factor. However, the truth is that pass-rush was already a strength for the Giants. Now, it’s their identity. But the team’s true x-factor on defense this year is third-round pick Darius Alexander. Alexander has the potential to help stop the run, which has been the defense’s Achilles heel for years. If he can do this, mixed with his ability as a pass-rusher, Alexander could help make the Giants’ defense elite.
Why Darius Alexander Is the X-Factor for the Giants’ Defense
Darius Alexander’s College Resume
Alexander is a defensive tackle from Toledo who was selected 65th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. Despite playing at a smaller school, he stood out against all competition. The second-team all-MAC player recorded 40 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, four pass breaks, and an interception returned for a touchdown in 12 games as a senior.
After the Senior Bowl, scouts raved about Alexander’s quickness and pass-rush capability from the interior. He has a quick first step, stays low, and drives the pocket backward to force errant throws. Being paired with Dexter Lawrence, he should expect to see plenty of one-on-one matchups in the NFL in both the run game and passing game.
Bolstering the Run Defense
Where Alexander can make the Giant’s defense elite is in the run game. In 2024, the New York Giants’ run defense ranked near the bottom of the league. They allowed an average of 143.7 rushing yards per game, good for 31st out of 32 teams. Additionally, opposing running backs averaged 5.24 yards per carry, the second-worst mark in the NFL.
While Dexter Lawrence is a disruptor in any situation, the overall run defense was poor before his season-ending injury. Before drafting Alexander, the Giants had no true second defensive interior lineman. Opposing offenses schemed their running game in the opposite direction of Lawrence.
Now, the Giants’ run defense issues extend beyond the interior defensive line. Their edge rushers, cornerbacks, and linebackers were often out of place, especially on extended or stretch runs. However, a suitable second defensive lineman like Alexander can plug up the middle. Theoretically, teams will have to consider at least removing double teams from Lawrence in the interior or risk leaving Alexander one, as well. In either situation, there’s a chance the Giants have a capable interior defensive lineman left one-on-one in most running situations.
This level of disruption can help the Giants’ defense become elite and show off their true strength- the pass rush.
The Run Defense Helps the Pass-Rush
If Alexander can be the Robin to Lawrence’s Batman in the run game, opposing offenses will face more long-yardage situations. In turn, their pass rush, highlighted by Carter, Burns, Lawrence, Thibodeaux, and Alexander himself, can control games. The only way to neutralize an opposition’s elite pass rush is to stay out of obvious passing situations. That is what might stop this Giants defense from entering elite status. Darius Alexander could be the key to avoiding that.
Darius Alexander was drafted as more than just a depth piece. Even if he doesn’t start right away in 2025, he will play a pivotal role. If he stays healthy and develops quickly, expect his name to be mentioned often in game recaps. A breakout year could be the spark that shifts the Giants’ defense from good to elite. If all goes according to plan, Darius Alexander will be the defensive x-factor in 2025.
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