New York Giants select Clemson DL Dexter Lawrence with second first round pick

After making a questionable pick in Daniel Jones at #6 overall, the New York Giants went with the smart decision and picked defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence from Clemson University at No. 17, their second pick in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Lawrence has the size and athleticism that would be a perfect fit for the NFL. At 6’4″ and 342 pounds, he has shown that he has the athleticism and was a run stopper during his time at Clemson.

The Giants need improvement on their defense, as they lost a few key players this offseason in Landon Collins and Olivier Vernon, as well as Damon Harrison, who was traded to Detroit during the 2018 season. The Giants need a true defensive lineman, as they did not really have an answer there for the future. Now that they can insert Lawrence into the defense, he can turn his strong college career into a solid NFL one. He probably will not make an impact right away, as it is hard for any rookie to adjust right away, especially in a depleted Giants defense that will not have enough firepower to make an impact, at first. However, Lawrence will most likely start and once he and his defensive teammates gel and the rookies develop, the Giants have the potential to have a solid defense. It may not be right away, but it is still possible.

Overall, drafting Lawrence was a smart decision due to his size and athleticism, which can turn him into a starting NFL defensive tackle. The Giants may not be able to turn their defense around right away, but with this pick, they are on the right track.