Giants Host Potential Dexter Lawrence Partner

Among the New York Giants’ biggest needs is a second starting defensive tackle next to superstar Dexter Lawrence. He’s a full-fledged titan in the trenches, but without a partner in crime to alleviate double teams or take advantage of them, the production of the unit will not reach its potential.

Fortunately for the Giants, the 2025 NFL Draft provides no shortage of options. In the unlikely scenario in which they trade back, Michigan’s Mason Graham is ripe for the picking. In Round 2, names like Walter Nolen and Tyleik Williams are projected to come off the board, with South Carolina’s T.J. Sanders, among others, set to join them later that evening.

New York has addressed the position’s depth in free agency, adding Roy Robertson-Harris and Jeremiah Ledbetter. In the final days until the NFL Draft, the team’s pre-draft visits have indicated additional interest in the position, too.

According to Dan Duggan, the Giants hosted Day 2 defensive tackle prospect Alfred Collins on a 30 visit Friday.

Collins, a standout for Texas, isn’t the cleanest fit in New York because of his 330-pound frame that makes him more of a nose tackle. However, his versatility is untraditional for a prospect of his size, allowing him to contribute from multiple alignments and, most importantly, start as a 3-tech if need be.

That mass comes into play because of a Giants run defense that was mediocre in 2024 and must be better if New York plans on competing in 2025. On early downs, trying to displace Collins and Lawrence is a titanic task. Even if Collins doesn’t round out into the starting-caliber pass rusher his flashes showcased, he creates problems for opposing offensive lines, especially for wide zone teams that may sacrifice strength for speed when they can.

Collins can also help forge a more physical identity. The Philadelphia Eagles dominated in the trenches in just about every short-yardage situation possible on offense. The tush push might be a cheat code, but if there’s a path to stopping it, being bigger and stronger up front is a good place to start.

Collins is a solid athlete, despite posting bottom-quartile jumps during the pre-draft process. With the ability to push the pocket and open up lanes for New York’s more experienced pass rushers, there’s room for him to grow into the flashes of technique he displayed in 2024, creating what could be one of the league’s elite defensive lines.