2019 NFL Draft: Grades for every first-round pick

17. New York Giants: Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson

Grade: C+

Dexter Lawrence going to the New York Giants with the 17th pick of the NFL draft was not surprising. They have been connected to him for a while and we all know that Gettleman loves to build through the trenches. That being said, this is another less than stellar pick for the G-Men.

Lawrence is a good player who will make an impact at the next level. However, a 342-pound run-stuffing defensive tackle simply does not have much use in today’s game. Plus, the Giants already have a good run stuffing defensive tackle in Dalvin Tomlinson. For a team that has obvious needs all over the place, I just do not see how adding another big run stuffer makes any sense.

Lawrence moves well for his size, showing solid quickness and lateral agility on the inside. However, his value comes as a space eater on the inside. He is an incredibly strong player who has a lot of success as a two-gap run defender. Make no mistake about it, the linebackers in New York will have more space to work with now that Lawrence is on the roster.

He just does not offer anything as a pass rusher and while he is quick for his size, he is never going to be a true one-gap penetrator on the inside. Defensive tackles need to be able to shoot the gaps and create quick pressure on the interior. Lawrence simply is not that guy.

I do not hate the player here. Lawrence will likely be in the league for a long time. The Giants simply did not draft for value, taking a player who does not fit the modern NFL while also not filling a position of need.