The
New York Giants
Continue to enhance the depth and potential within the trenches.
Heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, strengthening the interior defensive line was a top priority. Adding depth next to Pro Bowl player Dexter Lawrence was essential.
As a result, New York utilized the No. 65 overall pick on Toledo’s defensive tackle, Darius Alexander.
Standing at 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 305 pounds, Alexander played in 58 games during his time at Toledo, where he started in 27 of them. Over the course of his college career, he managed to achieve 9.0 sacks along with 22 tackles for loss. However, he did not become a starter until his last two years.
Alexander figures to slot into the rotation behind Rakeem Nunez-Roches while competing with 2024 undrafted free agent Elijah Chatman.
Here’s how the NFL experts graded the Giants’ selection of Alexander:
Giants NFL draft grades for Darius Alexander
Scott Dochterman, The Athletic:
A
Dochterman:
The Giants have already selected the draft’s premier edge rusher, Abdul Carter, and they follow up by choosing Alexander, who possesses exceptional athletic talent. Despite being underappreciated at Toledo, Alexander showcased his abilities during the Senior Bowl practices, earning recognition as the top defensive lineman for the National Team. This pick represents great value.
Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports:
A
Trapasso:
“Ultimate defensive front seven chess piece. Clearly has DT size but aligned everywhere — even at linebacker — and made splash plays for Toledo last season. Has forceful style at the point of attack in classic interior rush role. Not super twitchy but a loose athlete. Hand work could be a touch more efficient. Love this addition for an ascending Giants defense. Options galore with Alexander.”
Joseph Acosta, SB Nation:
A-
Acosta:
“This one is a lot of fun! Alexander is an older prospect, but you can’t ignore his consistent pressure across multiple alignments both at Toledo and at the Senior Bowl. I wonder where he plays, but on 3rd downs he, Dexter Lawrence, Abdul Carter and others will be really cool.”
Matt Verderame, Sports Illustrated:
A-
Verderame:
Alexander played with Toledo over five years, participating in 58 matches. During his last three seasons, he recorded 8.5 sacks along with 20 tackles for loss and was honored as second-team All-MAC in 2024. Standing at 6′ 4″ and weighing 305 pounds, Alexander is set to play indoors and has the capability to become an instant, ready-to-go starting player.
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