How Drafting Another Defensive Tackle Can Help Dexter Lawrence's Game

Giants IDL Dexter Lawrence lacks a running mate. Fortunately, some Day 2 and Day 3 draft options could help him take his game to another level.

Feb 29, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Florida State DL Braden Fiske at the combine. / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Anyone who follows the New York Giants agrees that this team needs several positions, with quarterback and receiver being the two most popular ones.

Anyone who follows the New York Giants agrees that this team needs several positions, with quarterback and receiver being the two most popular ones.

Yet, lost in the discussions of the team's needs, one position group that doesn't really get mentioned much but which is very much a low-key position of need is defensive tackle.

We all know that Dexter Lawrence is a dynamic playmaker with All-Pro abilities. We have seen it on display since the Giants drafted him a number. 17 overall back in 2019, but he has stepped into his powers over the past couple of seasons.

His ascent has taken a toll on him. Playing nose guard is not easy because you face constant double teams, and when you are as dynamic as Lawrence, you do not specialize, so he's a three-down tackle.

Compounding the issue is that the depth behind Lawrence leaves much to be desired. Since the departure of Leonard Williams, there is no other interior defensive lineman on this team for whom other teams have a healthy respect.

It leaves all of the pressure on Lawrence to hold things down in the run game and pass rush on the interior. There are no other multidimensional interior linemen on this team. In a new system, it's a valid question about a running mate inside with Lawrence.

Fortunately, there are some options in this year's draft.

Day 2/3 Options

Braden Fiske, FSU

The measurables will likely make teams overthink Braden Fiske as a first-round talent. He has immeasurables in spades, which make up for his lack of arm length and smaller frame.

Putting him as a 3-Tech next to Lawrence as the nose would give the defense two elite motors in the pass rush and chasing ball carriers in run defense. Thanks to his athleticism, he should be able to shoot gaps consistently and be very effective on interior stunts and stunts with the ends.

If he is there on the second day and the Giants already have their quarterback and receiver, they should consider adding him.

Jer’Zhan Newton, Illinois

Jer'Zhan Newton's size—6’2” and slightly over 300 pounds—won't wow anyone, but he has very quick feet and hands.

He is strong enough to hold up at the point of attack but also a fantastic counter-puncher. He sets up the blockers and makes them lunge before he counters them by knocking hands and arms away or using his footwork to sidestep aggression.

He has burst and uses it to get to the quarterback. He would be a nice complement to Lawrence as a 1-2 punch inside.

Maason Smith, LSU

At 6’5”, Smith has the prototypical length many front offices look for in a defensive tackle. He does not possess the experience and possibly strength of others in the draft. Still, he has the potential to be a tremendous interior rush tackle, especially as he gets into a professional weight room and gets away from injuries that claimed part of 2021 and 2022.

He just does not have a lot of games under his belt, but as he is more of raw clay, he has the chance to be shaped and molded by the position coach. He will also learn things from watching Lawrence work as well.

Ruke Orhorhoro, Clemson

Ruke Orhorhoro is another sub-five second, 40-yard dash defensive tackle under 300 pounds (294 lbs.). 

He had to wait for his chance to shine at Clemson, so he is still pretty unrefined. He relies on his explosion to win at the line of scrimmage by getting on the offensive lineman before they can really settle in. That explosion can help him shoot gaps in the pass rush as well as overcome his deficiencies as a run defender early on in his career. 

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