The Giants are setting up Darius Alexander for a real chance to matter in 2026.
After spending most of his rookie year watching from the sideline, the second-year defensive tackle suddenly has a clearer path to playing time. New York’s trade of Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals opened the door, and the team’s moves around the interior suggest it knows exactly what kind of player Alexander is - and what he isn’t.
ESPN’s Ben Solak pegged Alexander as the biggest breakout candidate heading into the 2026 season. That call comes with some patience baked in, especially since Alexander began his college career as an offensive lineman and had a rough first year in the league. Still, the upside is obvious enough to keep him squarely in the spotlight.
The Giants appear ready to cover for any lingering issues against the run by spreading that work around. DJ Reader and Shelby Harris are in place to handle the heavy lifting inside, which should let Alexander focus more on what comes naturally: getting after the quarterback. With his quick first step, he could help lift an interior pass rush that dropped off sharply when Lawrence regressed last year.
The numbers from his rookie season were ugly. Alexander posted a 42.9 PFF grade, which ranked 121st out of 134 defensive tackles, and his 30.3 run defense grade was even worse, landing 130th overall. But those grades don’t erase the flashes he showed when he was on the field.
In limited snaps, Alexander produced 15 pressures and 3.5 sacks. That kind of pass-rush output is exactly why there’s still belief he can become more than a depth piece. The Giants also may be putting him in a better spot by moving from Shane Bowen to Dennard Wilson at defensive coordinator.
For defensive linemen, the jump from college to the NFL can take time, and Alexander’s background makes that adjustment even more understandable. John Harbaugh’s track record developing defensive linemen is another reason to think the arrow can point up.
Alexander doesn’t have to carry the defense for New York to get value out of him. But if he turns into the player many thought the Giants were getting in the draft, he could be the piece that helps push this group from good to great.
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