Giants' Lawrence Focused on Developing Young Talent

The New York Giants need a defense capable of stealing games from more talented teams, and they’ll lean on defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to create one.

Lawrence, armed with edge rushers Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux, is set to be even more destructive than years past – a high bar given the 48 quarterback hits and 12 sacks he’s generated since the start of his 2022 campaign.

Lawrence is one of the league’s best defensive tackles and a truly unique pass rusher from his alignment as a nose tackle. But with extra attention headed his way, it will be on many of New York’s younger players to step up and consistently make plays.

The Giants’ best player is determined to help them get there.

When asked about his preparation for Week 1, Lawrence shifted to his preseason priority: helping cultivate talent.

“No, I haven't, no,” Lawrence said. “I think this week is – honestly, I care about the guys in my room a lot and I want to see them succeed so my focus is really helping them be ready for this last preseason game and selfishly for myself is keeping my body ready for the first week. So, I haven't, no.”

New York has no shortage of young offensive linemen. Undrafted free agent linemen Elijah Chatman and Casey Rogers are fighting for spots (the former seemingly locked in for a significant role) and the 24-year-old D.J. Davidson could stick as capable depth. Outside, the development of Thibodeaux and Azeez Ojulari will be critical for the Giants pass rush.

“Just talking ball with them, helping them with technique on the field just helping them understand the position,” Lawrence elaborated. “Just little things, learning how to play the game within the game, understand the feelings to feel and the angles and a lot of football stuff.”

The front seven, while young, is expected to be the strength of the defense. The secondary, meanwhile, offers even less experience, proof of concept, and blue-chip talent. With Deonte Banks taking on CB1 duties and a potential liability on the opposite end, things may take some time to gel.

New York is vulnerable, sure, but there’s plenty of upside to bank on and enough leadership in the room to coax it out of those young talents.

Related: Giants Coach Previews Ojulari's Role

“Yeah, I think just helping the mentals I think is the biggest thing,” Lawrence said. “Taking every day, every rep, every challenge seriously and not getting too high and not getting too low so staying – I think it's a mental thing that's the biggest thing.

“I think if you come outside and you compete and you work hard and you stay honed in on your technique then it's not really much that you can mess up on and you learn the defense and how to leverage and things like that then it should be fairly simple.”

The Giants will get to see just how much progress Lawrence has contributed to when they face the Minnesota Vikings in MetLife Stadium to open the season.