The New York Giants made seven picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, including two in the first round. Of those seven, three were defensive players, highlighted by linebacker Abdul Carter, taken third overall.
Carter is expected to make an immediate impact, but he might not be the only rookie defender who contributes from day one.
Joe Freer of Last Word on Sports identified third-round defensive tackle Darius Alexander as a potential X-factor for the Giants’ defense.
“The team’s true x-factor on defense this year is third-round pick Darius Alexander,” Freer wrote. “He has the ability to shore up the run defense — a long-standing weakness for the Giants. Combined with his pass-rushing skills, Alexander could help elevate the unit to an elite level.”
Alexander, who played five seasons at Toledo, was a consistent presence on a defense that made four straight bowl game appearances. Over 58 games, he proved himself a durable and reliable force in the trenches.
His final two college seasons showcased his NFL potential. In 2023, he recorded 36 tackles, six tackles for loss, four sacks, and four pass breakups. In 2024, he posted a career-high 40 tackles, eight tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and his lone career interception — which he returned 58 yards for a touchdown — along with four more pass deflections.
Freer emphasized Alexander’s ability to impact the run game as a key reason he could help turn the Giants’ defense around.
“Alexander’s biggest value could be in fixing the Giants’ run defense,” Freer explained. “In 2024, New York ranked 31st in the league, surrendering 143.7 rushing yards per game and 5.24 yards per carry — both near the bottom of the NFL.”
With Alexander and other offseason additions, Freer believes the Giants’ defense could significantly improve against the run.
“The Giants’ run defense struggles weren’t limited to the interior line — edge rushers, linebackers, and corners all had issues with gap discipline and pursuit,” Freer noted. “But adding another solid interior lineman like Alexander could help. Teams might have to ease up on double-teaming Dexter Lawrence, or risk leaving Alexander in one-on-one situations — which could tip the balance in New York’s favor in key run-stopping scenarios.”