The New York Giants selected Toledo defensive lineman Darius Alexander in the third round of the 2025 NFL draft (65th overall). They had been smitten with him throughout the pre-draft process. It was no secret how much they wanted him.
“A 3-technique that we did a lot of work on,” Giants general manager Joe Schoen said of Alexander right after drafting him. “He came in on a 30 visit as well, was down at the Senior Bowl, and just where we are, we felt we needed to add some youth to the defensive line, and this kid is just under 6’4”, 315 pounds, 34-inch arms and freaky athletic.
“Down at the Senior Bowl and he had a really good week, and (defensive line coach) Dre Patterson, thinks the world of him and (assistant defensive line coach) Bryan Cox and getting a guy like this that can come in and develop with the depth that we have. Again, a high ceiling for this player, so we’re excited to add another player to our front seven.”
The Giants thought they had a steal, and they may be right about that. They weren’t the only team in on Alexander.
SNY football reporter Connor Hughes was told that three other teams “loved” him as well.
Hughes makes good points regarding the Giants’ defensive front, calling it “deadly” and “potentially dominant for years to come.”
The addition of Alexander, who may begin his career as a rotational player, along with first-round pick Abdul Carter, fortifies the Giants’ defense to the point where they can finally combat the explosive quarterbacks in the NFC East (Dak Prescott, Jayden Daniels, Jalen Hurts) and close the gap after spending nearly a decade in the cellar.