New York Giants star defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence ranked third overall on ESPN’s top defensive linemen in the league list. ESPN’s senior NFL national reporter, Jeremy Fowler, assembled the list based on the opinions of executives, coaches, and scouts.
Nearly 80 voters submitted a ballot on at least one position and, in many cases, all positions. Lawrence’s highest ranking among those polled was second; his lowest was eighth. Last season, Lawrence appeared sixth on the top-ten list. Here is the excerpt on Lawrence from the article:
That’s two elite tackles in the greater North Jersey area, with Lawrence racking up 12 sacks and 49 quarterback hits over the past two seasons while dominating the run game.
Lawrence, who earned a four-year, $87.5 million extension last offseason, ranked second among defensive tackles with an 18.6% pass rush win rate.
“He’s just an awesome football player,” an AFC scout said. “A unique combo of power, balance and lower-body flexibility, and you combine that with his football acumen and you have a premier player.”
Added an NFL coordinator: “Elite feet to go with his size and athleticism. It’s like he’s violently dancing out there. He will miss a few plays here and there, near sacks. But he mostly delivers.”
Violently dancing — is a great description of Lawrence’s play style, as opposed to his famous sack dance.
Chris Jones of the Kansas City Chiefs in NO. 1 on the list. Quinnen Williams of the New York is No. 2. Both Lawrence and Williams are 26 years old, and Jones is 30.
There’s no denying Dexter Lawrence’s difference-making impact. He is the number one player most offensive coordinators circle before playing the Giants. He continues to be a nightmare for offensive line coaches around the league.