New York Giants Fans May be Disrespecting Their Own Player

The New York Giants have a whole lot of impressive young talent on both sides of the ball heading into 2026. That especially applies to the defense.

Brian Burns is one of the NFL's top pass rushers. Abdul Carter seems primed for a breakout season. Kayvon Thibodeaux is a terrific player when healthy. Arvell Reese could be a future star. Colton Hood could be the best cornerback in his draft class.

But are Giants fans forgetting about one young player in particular?

Last year, New York selected defensive tackle Darius Alexander in the third round of the NFL Draft, and at the time, it was viewed as an outstanding value pick.

Alexander played his collegiate football at Toledo, so the fact that he didn't see elite competition was a turn-off to some, but he posted 40 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and a pick-six during his final NCAA campaign.

And at 6-foot-4, 310 pounds, Alexander had the size to make an impact in the trenches for the Giants.

Unfortunately, Alexander's rookie campaign was, for the most part, a disappointment. Yes, he had a nice flurry late in the season when he managed three sacks over his final six games, but he finished with just 20 tackles and 3.5 sacks on the year in total, and his Pro Football Focus numbers were hideous.

With Dexter Lawrence now gone, Alexander could end up playing a pivotal role for Big Blue this coming fall, and Bucky Brooks of NFL.com actually identified the 25-year-old as a potential breakout player in 2026.

"The 2025 third-round pick not only has a clear path to a starting role, but Roy Robertson-Harris‘ season-ending injury will lead to more playmaking opportunities for the youngster on a sack-obsessed front line," Brooks wrote. "After notching three sacks and three tackles for loss over his final six games in 2025, the 6-4, 310-pounder is primed for a breakout season as a key piece of the Giants’ rejiggered defensive puzzle."

This definitely came as a surprise to Giants fans, many of whom were already down on Alexander after his uneven showing last season.

But perhaps Alexander will ultimately prove to be a force for New York this year?

The Giants signed DJ Reader and Shelby Harris in free agency, and they also plucked noted run-stuffer Bobby Jamison-Travis in the sixth round of the draft. So, Alexander is facing some stiff competition for playing time.

In fact, it may be fair to say that the Fort Wayne, In. native could be in danger heading into his sophomore season.

But maybe John Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson will give Alexander plenty of opportunities, which could result in the neophyte actually putting together a surprisingly strong showing in Year 2.

Maybe Giants fans have been disrespecting Alexander all along?

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