Among the defensive players the Giants drafted, Abdul Carter has garnered much of the spotlight, but he wasn’t the only key addition to their defense. In the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Giants selected defensive tackle Darius Alexander from Toledo with the 65th overall pick, a move that’s received notable recognition.
NFL.com’s Chad Reuter recently highlighted his favorite picks from each round, and Alexander made the cut for the third round. Reuter praised the Giants for selecting Alexander, noting that while he was overlooked by teams like the Bears and Chiefs at the end of the second round, he is a strong prospect. Alexander, who played as a 5-technique or on the outside at Toledo despite his 300-pound frame, fits well into the Giants’ defensive scheme, which values big men who can disrupt the run game and support rushers in confusing offensive linemen. While Alexander may not become another Leonard Williams, Reuter sees him as a potential solid starter.
This past season, Alexander earned second-team All-MAC honors after registering 40 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 7.5 tackles for loss, and four passes defensed. The year prior, he earned third-team All-MAC honors with 36 tackles, 4.0 sacks, and 5.5 tackles for loss.
Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 305 pounds, Alexander has impressed as both a pass rusher and one of the nation’s top defensive tackles against the run, according to Pro Football Focus.
After selecting him, Giants GM Joe Schoen spoke highly of Alexander, noting that the team had been following him closely. “He came in for a 30 visit, was at the Senior Bowl, and we felt we needed to add youth to the defensive line,” Schoen said. “With his athleticism, size, and potential, he has a high ceiling, and we’re excited about his future development with our defensive line depth.”
The Giants are looking forward to Alexander’s growth as part of their revamped front seven.
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