The New York Giants used their lone selection on Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft to address a big need.
After the Giants left Day 1 of the draft with Penn State star Abdul Carter and then traded back into the first round later to land Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart, it left them with just one selection on Day 2 — the No. 65 overall pick.
New York opted to use that selection on Toledo defensive tackle Darius Alexander, a Senior Bowl standout who has a chance to compete for a prominent role as the three-technique next to Dexter Lawrence right away.
Here's what the NFL draft scouting reports said about Alexander ahead of the draft:
Darius Alexander scouting report
Dane Brugler, The Athletic (draft guide):
Brugler: "Overall, Alexander isn't yet the full sum of his impressive parts, but his blend of power, length and athletic body control give him the makings of a three-down, scheme-versatile NFL starter. He projects best in an attacking role, where he'd be able to maximize his disruptive traits. His peak plays are reminiscent of Leonard Williams."
Zierlein: "Interior lineman with the size, length and physicality for consideration in odd or even fronts. Alexander is capable of destroying blocks, but he needs to do a better job of balancing his force to control the action at the point of attack. He can hold his ground when he’s staying low, but the pad level is inconsistent and causes his gap constriction to be hit-or-miss. Alexander has above-average rush acumen. He does a nice job of utilizing his traits and crafting a plan of attack. His best football could be ahead of him, but for now, he projects as an average rotational player or backup."
Holder: "Darius Alexander has the potential to become a solid every-down defensive tackle at the next level. He's an impressive run defender who can defeat one-on-one blocks with his strength at the point of attack and can stay in his gap against double teams. As a pass-rusher, he has a solid swim move and can collapse the pocket when bull rushing, he fires off the ball."
Brentley Weissman, Pro Football Network
Weissman: "Overall, Alexander is a better pass rusher than run blocker at the stage of his career. The physical tools are tantalizing, but defensive coordinators will need to be smart with how they utilize him. He is far from a finished product, but Alexander has the talent to become a good starter in the NFL."
PFF: "Alexander was lightly recruited and was a late bloomer in college football (will be 25 in his rookie season), but his measurables and strength are NFL-caliber. He is a contributing NFL defensive lineman at worst due to his strength profile, with starting caliber impact potential in odd and even fronts."
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