Coming out of college, Dexter Lawrence wasn’t used to losing. His Clemson Tigers won two national championships during his time in the SEC, and the defensive line he played on was one of the best the program has ever seen.
But then he found himself on a Giants team that struggled all season long. For many players, that NFL reality is hard to deal with in their rookie season. However, Lawrence managed to look at the positives when he reflected on last year.
“I wouldn’t say we lost last year, we kind of learned lessons and that’s how I take everything pretty much,” he told reporters before the Giants’ practice on Tuesday. “You have to find the positive in all things and find the light in all things. Clearly, no one likes that, but you have to find a way to be better and that’s the focus this year.”
The Giants’ second first-round pick of the 2019 NFL Draft, Lawrence had high expectations heading into last season. And he showcased exactly what his massive 6-foot-5, 340-pound frame could do, as he was a stout run stopper. But if there is one critique, scouts believed he could get to the quarterback better than most interior linemen despite his size. He totaled 2.5 sacks and 15 quarterback pressures over 16 games.
To improve on those numbers this year, Lawrence focused on his body and getting to the shape he wants.
“This offseason, I definitely focused on (that). I got a personal trainer, we focused on eating, portion control, I got a chef. I didn’t really like my build last year. This year I tried to focus on losing a little bit of weight just so I can be better on the field. I’m out there running a lot better than I did last year. That’s just the goal for me each year. Feel better and be better.”
Lawrence added that “I’m going to weigh what I weigh. I just want to feel good.” With Joe Judge’s new protocols at practice, being better conditioned will definitely be helping the second-year tackle.
He is also loving what he’s seen from new defensive coordinator Sean Spencer, who is about as energetic as you can get on a practice field.
“He definitely tries to bring the energy, I try to bring it with him,” Lawrence said. “Sometimes I don’t know what he’s saying. We had a little language barrier at first, but it’s all good. I enjoy him a lot. He’s a good man and he’s teaching me some good things.”
With Leonard Williams back on a franchise tag as well as Dalvin Tomlinson and B.J. Hill still in the group, Lawrence has a solid group around him to work with. He said he soaked in as much information as he could from the veterans last season, but with a new coaching staff, his role is still undefined at the moment. Whether he is primarily looked at as a run stopper or not, Lawrence is ready for whatever responsibility he is tasked with.
“I’m going to do what the team asks me to do. They need me to get to the quarterback, I’ll do that. They need me to stop the run, I’ll be able to do it,” he said.