Post-trade, the Giants’ defensive-tackle depth chart features 2025 third-round pick Darius Alexander alongside Roy Robertson-Harris and Sam Roberts in the rotation. To offset Lawrence’s loss, New York is expected to sign veteran DT D.J. Reader after the draft, providing a stout run defender to complement the remaining depth.
Reader, a former fifth-round pick out of Clemson in 2016, has spent time with the Texans, Bengals, and Lions. He isn’t the same type of game-changing disruptor Lawrence provided, but he brings experience and a formidable run-stopping presence to the interior.
A key strategic factor for New York is the timing of Reader’s signing. By waiting until after May 1 to sign, the Giants avoid counting that contract against the compensatory-pick formula, potentially increasing the number of future compensatory picks they receive in this cycle.
With the No. 5 and No. 10 overall picks, the Giants have a rare opportunity to add two premium talents in the top portion of the draft. While there isn’t a true top-10 defensive tackle in this class, Day 2 offers depth at the position, with targets such as Christen Miller, Caleb Banks, Kayden McDonald, and Peter Woods, and additional options in later rounds like Domonique Orange, Lee Hunter, and Albert Regis.
In total, the Giants are aiming to bridge the gap left by Lawrence with immediate depth and long-term upside via the draft, while using post-draft signings to maximize compensatory picks and sustain their defensive reform.
