2025 Third-Round Drafted Linebacker Is Fighting for a Starting Role in the 2026 Season
The New York Giants have had a busy offseason as they try to rebuild the team at the Meadowlands. Head coach John Harbaugh isn’t focused on one side; he is focused on all aspects of his brand-new team coming together. However, New York has spent considerable time addressing its defensive line, with much of the focus on finding ways to close those gaps. It hasn’t been an easy go, but the decisions are being made about who is earning playing time this season. Many of the players are vying for a starting role. One of them is defensive tackle Darius Alexander.
The rookie defensive tackle did not have a good start to his rookie season last year. He was a 2025 third-round pick coming out of Toledo. The original plan was to pair him up with former Giant Dexter Lawrence on their interior defensive line to cover many of the openings. That all changed earlier this offseason when Lawrence was traded to the Cincinnati Bengals. Now, at this point, Alexander still has a chance to be a leader on this piece of the defensive line. This inside linebacker is playing for a team that no longer looks the same as it did last season and is going in a completely different direction than it was when he was drafted.
This inside linebacker needs to prove himself this coming season. Last season, the former Toledo standout appeared in 16 games as a rookie, recording 20 total tackles, three and a half sacks, four tackles for loss, six quarterback hits, and one pass defense despite playing a rotational role. His breakout performance came against the Detroit Lions, when he notched two sacks and showcased the disruptive pass-rushing ability that made him an appealing draft pick. Defensive coach Dennard Wilson already likes what he sees from him during both the minicamps and OTAs. The former Rockets star can also fill in multiple areas on the defensive line. This linebacker can cover nose tackle, three-tech, and defensive end. It’s up to Wilson to decide where he wants him this coming season.
Alexander also must work on his lower-body strength. If he can strengthen this area, he should be set to make the stops that the Giants need. This rookie is one of the larger pieces to begin with. This defensive tackle is set to have a larger role in this year's defense. Without the competition, Wilson may decide to play him more than he did last season.
