2019 NFL Draft: Dexter Lawrence another questionable pick for Giants

The New York Giants continue with the head-scratching picks in the 2019 NFL Draft, selecting Clemson’s Dexter Lawrence with the 17th overall pick.

Dexter Lawrence is an excellent football player. He starred for Dabo Swinney and the Clemson Tigers over the past few seasons, anchoring a defense that won two National Championships. He’s the third player from that vaunted defensive line off the board and the second biggest reach of the draft so far.

However, at No. 17 overall, the 6-foot-4, 342 lb. defensive tackle is not good value. Daniel Jones at No. 6 wasn’t good value for the Giants, either. Would Jones have been available at 17? Most likely, but I digress.

Lawrence produced at Clemson, though, clogging up holes for teammates to succeed and making plays of his own. He managed 131 tackles, 18 tackles-for-loss, and 10 sacks during his career, along with one interception, four pass deflections, three fumble recoveries and a forced fumble.

Are Giants fans happy with their first two picks? Reaching for a quarterback and a defensive lineman isn’t encouraging, but if they were the players management wanted, it is a success…as of right now. But to trade Odell Beckham, Jr. for a first round pick, and walking away with these two guys? The Jets aren’t far if you want to jump ship.

Grade: D+

The New York Giants receive a D+ for the Dexter Lawrence pick. He’s a solid player, but at No. 17, he was a reach, flat out. He could blossom into a star, but they passed up on a plethora of good players: Montez Sweat, Marquise Brown, Andre Dillard, Cody Ford. Why not grab a weapon for your young, new quarterback? Or an offensive lineman to protect your prized new asset?