New York Giants star Dexter Lawrence has once again proven why he belongs in the upper echelon of NFL defenders. In Pro Football Focus’ (PFF) annual ranking of the league’s top interior defensive linemen, Lawrence landed firmly in the top 3, underscoring a dominant season that showcased both his versatility and consistency.
PFF assigned Lawrence an outstanding 89.9 overall grade for the 2024 season, making him the third-highest graded interior defender across the NFL. But what truly separates Lawrence from his peers is balance—he was the only defensive tackle in the league to earn grades above 80.0 in both pass-rushing (81.4) and run defense (83.8), demonstrating his complete mastery of the position.
Dominance Despite Adversity
Despite missing five games late in the season due to an elbow injury, Lawrence didn’t miss a beat when he was on the field. He recorded 10 sacks, finishing fourth among all interior defensive linemen, while also racking up 36 total pressures and 25 defensive stops. Even from the challenging nose tackle position, Lawrence made a massive impact—his ability to generate interior pressure is unmatched, with 81 total pressures from the nose tackle alignment over the past two seasons, a number that no other player comes close to matching.
Recognition from the League and Peers
Lawrence’s performance didn’t just draw praise from analysts. He earned a Pro Bowl nod for the third straight year and was once again named to the NFLPA All-Pro Team, affirming his status as one of the game’s most respected defensive forces. He was also ranked 53rd on PFF’s Top 101 Players of 2024, a testament to his all-around excellence.
The Anchor of New York’s Defense
As the Giants look to rebound in the 2025 season, Dexter Lawrence remains the heart of their defensive identity. His combination of size, technique, and football IQ allows him to dominate in the trenches week after week. With a new defensive scheme taking shape in New York, Lawrence is expected to be a cornerstone of that transition—both on the field and in the locker room.
Final Word
Dexter Lawrence’s place near the top of PFF’s 2025 defensive tackle rankings is no fluke. He’s a rare talent who continues to improve year after year, blending brute strength with refined skill. As long as he’s suiting up for the Giants, their defense has a shot to be something special.