Round 1, Pick 65 – Darius Alexander, DT, Toledo
The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner and Scott Dochterman
“The Giants already took the draft’s best pass rusher, Abdul Carter, and now grab Alexander, who has incredible physical ability. Overlooked at Toledo, Alexander flashed during the Senior Bowl practice, where he was named the National Team’s top defensive lineman. Great value selection.”
“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. “
“The Giants have taken notice of Alexander’s explosiveness flash on top of stout play vs. the run. He is a solid rotational pick for this spot given his second-round talent.”
NorthJersey.com’s Art Stapleton
“The NFL covets traits, and Alexander has the physical traits for the next level. Now he gets to be a lottery ticket player next to Dexter Lawrence. He has impressive movements for a 300-pounder with long arms [34 inches] and pops at contact. The fluidity in his body is what ties everything together and allows him to be effective. The defensive line is loaded in this draft class, including at the Senior Bowl, which says a lot that Alexander was able to stand out among higher-profile players. I love this pick. The Giants needed a 3-technique up front and Alexander can emerge as a big-time player here as a rookie.”
Sports Illustrated’s Matt Verderame
“Alexander spent five years with Toledo, playing in 58 games. Over the past three seasons, he posted 8.5 sacks and 20 tackles for loss while earning second-team All-MAC honors in 2024. At 6′ 4″ and 305 pounds, Alexander will play inside while having the potential to be an immediate, plug-and-play starter.”
“This is good value for the Giants, as Alexander entered the draft as the 49th-ranked player on the PFF big board. Alexander’s 90.1 PFF grade in 2024 ranked third among all interior defenders in the class.”
“After trading away the No. 34 overall pick to move up for Jaxson Dart in Round 1, the Giants reenter the draft with a pretty solid selection. Alexander is a mature, NFL-ready talent with some room to grow. He has good length and interior rush skills and will upgrade the Giants’ front.”
“In the 3-4 defense, you need a 5-technique who can win in one-on-one situations against offensive tackles while having the power to set the edge. Alexander has exactly that, as well as enough quickness and physical upside to be an effective rusher on third downs. He will be a clean fit in the Giants’ three-man front next to first-round pick Abdul Carter and veteran Brian Burns.”
“Alexander is similar to Karl Brooks, who went to Green Bay on Day 2 a few years ago. Alexander was used on the boundary quite a bit and allowed to rush the passer, but his future is inside. New York is building a force to be reckoned with next to Dexter Lawrence.”
“Despite standing 6-4, 305 pounds, he ran a 4.95 40 at the combine. He averaged seven TFLs the past three years and could be part of a revitalized NASCAR package for Big Blue.”