The New York Giants made seven selections in the 2025 NFL Draft, including a pair of first-round selections. Three of the seven Giants draftees were on the defensive side of the ball, headlined by No. 3 overall pick Abdul Carter.
Carter is obviously expected to make an immediate impact, but he might not be the only Giants rookie to make an impact on day one from that side of the ball.
Last Word on Sports' Joe Freer examined which Giants' rookie could be the team's X-factor on defense, and he decided that third-round defensive tackle Darius Alexander is the man.
"The team’s true x-factor on defense this year is third-round pick Darius Alexander." Freer wrote. "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."
Alexander was a five-year player at Toledo. Across 58 games and three uniform numbers, Alexander largely anchored a Toledo defense that appeared in four-straight Bowl games.
His final two seasons at Toledo established him as a legit NFL prospect. In 2023, Alexander had 36 tackles, six for loss, four sacks, and broke up four passes. In 2024, he logged a career-high 40 tackles and eight tackles for loss, while picking up 3.5 sacks and his only career interception, which he took 58 yards for a touchdown. He also broke up an additional four passes that year.
Freer believes that Alexander's ability in the run game will truly establish the Giants' defense as one the NFL's elite units.
"Where Alexander can make the Giant’s defense elite is in the run game." Freer wrote. "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."
With Alexander and all of the other defensive additions the Giants made, Freer thinks the Giants' run defense will be stifling, with contributions all over the field.
"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." Freer noted. "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."