NFL.com praises Darius Alexander
NFL.com's Chad Reuter recently highlighted and handed out grades for one rookie from every Week 3 preseason game.
When it came to the Giants vs. Patriots matchup, the draft analyst focused on defensive lineman Darius Alexander.
"Alexander showed he's deserving of a role in the Giants' defensive line rotation, holding his ground against single blocks and double teams," Reuter wrote. "On the Patriots' first play, the third-round pick stood up the right tackle to force the running back to change his gap. Later, he pushed the right guard into the backfield and swallowed the running back for a tackle for loss. Alexander didn't win off the snap as a pass rusher, but he created a push and it looked like he was held early in the second quarter when he was ripped to the ground after winning with his hands."
Reuter awarded Alexander a B+ for his performance.
Alexander was on the field for 19 defensive snaps against the Patriots, according to Pro Football Focus. The rookie third-round pick finished with one tackle for loss and one quarterback hit, an encouraging outing for the young defensive lineman.
Alexander earned second-team All-MAC honors at Toledo last season after picking up 40 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 7.5 tackles for loss along with four passes defensed.
This came one year after he finished with 36 tackles, 4.0 sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss on his way to being named third-team All-MAC.
While the 6-foot-4, 305-pound defensive lineman enjoyed plenty of success as a pass rusher over his last two seasons at Toledo, Alexander was also one of Pro Football Focus' top defensive tackles in the nation against the run in 2024.
View photos of the New York Giants' 2025 roster as it currently stands.
CB Paulson Adebo
DL Darius Alexander
CB Deonte Banks
TE Daniel Bellinger
S Dane Belton
CB Korie Black
LB Chris Board
OLB Brian Burns
WR Dalen Cambre
OLB Abdul Carter
DL Elijah Chatman
WR Beaux Collins
QB Jaxson Dart
DL D.J. Davidson
QB Tommy DeVito
OLB Victor Dimukeje
TE Greg Dulcich
DL Cory Durden
OL Jermaine Eluemunor
OL Joshua Ezeudu
WR Da'Quan Felton
TE Thomas Fidone II
LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles
CB Cor'Dale Flott
OLB Trace Ford
T Stone Forsythe
OLB Tomon Fox
K Graham Gano
DL Elijah Garcia
P Jamie Gillan
DL Chauncey Golston
RB Eric Gray
DB Art Green
CB Tre Hawkins III
S Jevón Holland
C Bryan Hudson
T James Hudson III
WR Lil'Jordan Humphrey
WR Jalin Hyatt
TE Theo Johnson
CB Nic Jones
LS Casey Kreiter
OL Jake Kubas
DL Dexter Lawrence II
S Raheem Layne
DL Jeremiah Ledbetter
TE Chris Manhertz
OL Marcus Mbow
K Jude McAtamney
ILB Micah McFadden
RB Dante Miller
ILB Darius Muasau
WR Malik Nabers
OL Evan Neal
S Tyler Nubin
DL Rakeem Nuñez-Roches
ILB Bobby Okereke
WR Gunner Olszewski
S Makari Paige
CB Dru Phillips
DL Jordon Riley
DT Roy Robertson-Harris
WR Wan'Dale Robinson
G Jon Runyan
OL Austin Schlottmann
C John Michael Schmitz Jr.
RB Devin Singletary
RB Cam Skattebo
WR Darius Slayton
WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette
OL Aaron Stinnie
TE Jermaine Terry II
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux
T Andrew Thomas
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr.
G Greg Van Roten
RB Jonathan Ward
WR Antwane Wells Jr.
CB Dee Williams
QB Russell Wilson
QB Jameis Winston
The Giants will bring back their "Vintage White" color rush uniforms for back-to-back games at Chicago (Week 10) and home against Green Bay (Week 11).
New York Giants linebacker Harry Carson (53), elected to the NFL Hall of Fame Class of 2006, sets for play against the San Francisco 49ers on November 29, 1981, at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
New York Giants' defensive end Michael Strahan celebrates after running back an interception of a tipped pass 44-yards for a touchdown to beat the Philadelphia Eagles 23-17 in overtime Sunday, Oct. 31, 1999 in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/George Widman)
New York Giants quarterback Jeff Hostetler rolls backward into a handstand as Lawrence Taylor (56) hugs kicker Matt Bahr after game-winning field goal in final second of NFC championship game in San Francisco, Jan. 20, 1991. Hostetler held the ball then rolled into the handstand. Giants go to Super Bowl with 15-13 victory. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
New York Giants running back Ottis Anderson (24) runs the ball during the NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Nov. 25, 1990 in Philadelphia. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants guards Roy Simmons (69) and Billy Ad (67) and tackle Brad Benson (60) huddle in the endzone before an 1981 NFC Divisional NFL playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers on January 3, 1982. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
New York Giants defensive end Lawrence Taylor rushes the passer in 1990. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) releases a pass while under pressure from San Francisco 49ers linebacker Bill Romanowski (53) and defensive tackle Ted Washington (97) during a NFC Division Playoff Game in San Francisco, CA, Jan. 15, 1994. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants defensive end George Martin sets for play against the San Francisco 49ers on November 29, 1981 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
New York Giants linebacker Harry Carson (53) during the NFC Divisional Playoffs against the Chicago Bears on January 5, 1986, at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
New York Giants linebacker Carl Banks (58) in action on Jan. 5, 1986 at Soldier Field in Chicago. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
New York Giants Michael Strahan sacks San Diego quarterback Ryan Leaf in the second quarter of the Giants' 34-16 victory Sunday, Sept. 27, 1998 in San Diego. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) sets up to pass during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Raiders, Oct. 4, 1992. (AP Photo/NFL Photos/Kevin Terrell)
New York Giants tight end Howard Cross (87) hauls in a catch against the San Francisco 49ers during the NFL NFC Divisional Playoff game in San Francisco, CA, Jan. 15, 1994. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants running back Rodney Hampton (27) carries the ball against the Green Bay Packers in Green Bay, WI, Sep. 17, 1995. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants tackle Jumbo Elliott (76) awaits the snap against the Green Bay Packers in Green Bay, WI, Sep. 17, 1995. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants running back Herschel Walker (34) walks on the field before facing the Green Bay Packers in Green Bay, WI, Sep. 17, 1995. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Chris Calloway (80) hauls in a catch against the Green Bay Packers in Green Bay, WI, Sep. 17, 1995. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants running back Rodney Hampton (27) carries the ball against the Green Bay Packers in Green Bay, WI, Sep. 17, 1995. The Packers defeated the Giants 14-6. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants running back Tyrone Wheatley (28) takes off with the ball against the Green Bay Packers in Green Bay, WI, Sep. 17, 1995. The Packers defeated the Giants 14-6. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) awaits the snap against the San Francisco 49ers during the NFL NFC Divisional Playoff game in San Francisco, CA, Jan. 15, 1994. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Jeff Hostetler (15) prepares to throw a pass against the Philadelphia Eagles in Philadelphia, PA, Dec. 27, 1992. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Chris Calloway (80) runs with the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during the NFC Divisional Playoff in San Francisco, CA, Jan. 15, 1994. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) throws a pass against the San Francisco 49ers during the NFC Divisional Playoff in San Francisco, CA, Jan. 15, 1994. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) prepares to throw a pass against the San Francisco 49ers during the NFC Divisional Playoff game in San Francisco, CA, Jan. 15, 1994. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) in action against the Dallas Cowboys at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J., Sept. 9, 1984. (AP Photo)
New York Giants wide receiver Ed McCaffrey (81) watches play during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals Dec. 26, 1993 in Tempe, Ariz . (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
New York Giants defensive end Lawrence Taylor (56) rushes the passer in 1990. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
New York Giants linebacker Gary Reasons (55) returns one of his two interceptions during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams on November 11, 1990. The Giants defeated the Rams 31-7. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
New York Giants Rodney Hampton (27), in action during a game against the Los Angeles Rams on October 18, 1992 at Anaheim Stadium in Anaheim, California, The Rams beat the Giants 38-17.(AP Photo/David Durochik)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) scrambles for yardage against the Chicago Bears during the third quarter in Chicago, Ill., Sept. 22, 1992. (AP Photo/Fred Jewell)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) looks to pass while being chased by Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Reggie White (92) during the NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Nov. 25, 1990 in Philadelphia. The Eagles won the game 31-13. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Hall of Fame linebacker Harry Carson (53) of the New York Giants sets for play during the 1985 NFC Divisional Playoff Game on January 5, 1986 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) sets to pass against the Chicago Bears during the first quarter in Chicago, Sept. 5, 1993. Simms completed 24 of 34 passes for 277 yards as the Giants beat the Bears 26-20. (AP Photo/Fred Jewell)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Marshall (70) pressures Chicago Bears quarterback Jim McMahon (9) during the 1985 NFC Divisional Playoff Game in Chicago, Jan. 5, 1986. The Bears shutout the Giants 21-0. (AP Photo/Vernon Biever)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) in action against the Dallas Cowboys at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J., Sept. 9, 1984. (AP Photo)
New York Giants defensive end Lawrence Taylor (56) warms up for an NFL game in 1990. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Joe Jurevicius (84) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Baltimore Ravens Sept. 3, 1999, in Baltimore. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor (56) looks across the line of scrimmage during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Raiders in Los Angeles, Oct. 4, 1992. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
FILE -In this Saturday, Dec. 19, 1981 file photo, New York Giants kicker Joe Danelo is carried from the Giants stadium field by coach Ray Perkins and teammates Ed McGlasson (59) and Harry Carson in East Rutherford, N.J., after the team beat the Dallas Cowboys in overtime with a field goal. (AP Photo/Mike Derer, File)
New York Giants running back Charles Way (30) rushes upfield with the ball during an NFL game against the Baltimore Ravens Sept. 3, 1999, in Baltimore. (Allen Kee via AP)
Green Bay Packers wide receiver John Jefferson (83) is wrapped up by New York Giants defensive back Bill Curry (29) during an NFL game, Nov. 8, 1981. (AP Photo/Vernon Biever)
New York Giants defensive end Lawrence Taylor (56) sets for play in 1990. Al Messerschmidt via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor (56) looks on during the NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Giants in East Rutherford, New Jersey on October 30, 1983. The Cowboys won the game 38-20 (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) throws a pregame pass before the NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Nov. 25, 1990 in Philadelphia. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Jeff Hostetler (15) in the first quarter in Houston Saturday, August 18, 1990. There was a 10 yard loss on the play. (AP Photo/Tim Johnson)
New York Giants running back Ottis Anderson (24) gains nine yards of his team-leading 60 yards during third quarter action against the Los Angeles Rams in Anaheim, Calif., Nov. 12, 1990. On the same possession Anderson scored on a three-yard touchdown run. New York marched to a 31-7 win to remain unbeaten. (AP Photo/Craig Fuji)
New York Giants running back Joe Morris (20) runs upfield during an NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys in East Rutherford on October 30, 1983. The Cowboys defeated the Giants 38-20. (AP Photo/Chuck Solomon)
New York Giants defensive end Lawrence Taylor (56) stretches during warmups before an NFL game in 1990. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
New York Giants Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor (56) pass rushes during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Raiders in Los Angeles, Oct. 4, 1992. The Raiders defeated the Giants 13-10.(AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
New York Giants Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor (56) smiles as he's filmed before an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams in Anaheim on November 11, 1990. The Giants defeated the Rams 31-7. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
San Francisco 49ers vs New York Giants at Candlestick Park Monday, November 27, 1989. (AP Photo/Al Golub)
New York Giants Lawrence Taylor (56) in action during a game against the Chicago Bears on September 15, 1991at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears beat the Giants 20-17. Lawrence Taylor was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1999.(AP Photo/David Durochik)
San Francisco 49ers vs New York Giants at Candlestick Park Monday, November 27, 1989. (AP Photo/Al Golub)
FILE --In a Jan. 20, 1991 file photo San Francisco 49ers Tom Rathman is upended by New York Giants Pepper Johnson (52) after receiving pass from quarterback Joe Montana in first quarter of NFC championship game in San Francisco. Giants Myron Guyton comes in at right. The two teams will meet again Sunday Jan. 22, 2012 to vie for the NFC championship. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) sets up to pass during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams on November 11, 1990. The Giants defeated the Rams 31-7. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor (56) runs in pursuit during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Raiders at the Los Angeles Coliseum on October 4, 1992. The Raiders defeated the Giants 13-10. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
Running back Rodney Hampton (27) of the New York Giants is grabbed around the waist by linebacker Dante Jones (53) of the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill., Sept. 5, 1993. (AP Photo/John Swart)
New York Giants quarterback Jeff Hostetler breaks free from New York Jets Kyle Clifton (59) during the first quarter of their exhibition game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey Saturday, August 22, 1992. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
New York Giants offensive tackle Roman Oben (72) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Baltimore Ravens Sept. 3, 1999, in Baltimore. (Allen Kee via AP)
FILE - In a Jan. 20, 1991 file photo New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor runs after recovering a 49ers fumble in the fourth quarter of the NFC championship game to help win the game 15-13 in San Francisco. The two teams will meet again Sunday Jan. 22, 2012 to vie for the NFC championship. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli/file)
New York Giants defensive end Lawrence Taylor (56) sets for play during an NFL game in 1983. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
FILE -- A Jan. 20, 1991 file photo shows New York Giants quarterback Jeff Hostetler holding the ball as Matt Bahr kicks game-winning field goal in final seconds of NFC championship game with San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco. The two teams will meet again Sunday Jan. 22, 2012 to vie for the NFC championship. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma/file)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) turns to handoff during an NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys in East Rutherford on October 30, 1983. The Cowboys defeated the Giants 38-20. (AP Photo/Chuck Solomon)
New York Giants offensive tackle Luke Petitgout (77) and Roman Oben (72) are seen in action during an NFL game against the Baltimore Ravens Sept. 3, 1999, in Baltimore. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants defense takes on the San Francisco 49ers offensive line during an NFL game on November 23 , 1980. The 49ers defeated the Giants 12-0. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
New York Giants running back Sean Bennett (44) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Baltimore Ravens Sept. 3, 1999, in Baltimore. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor (56) waits between plays during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Raiders in Los Angeles, Oct. 4, 1992. The Raiders defeated the Giants 13-10.(AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
Los Angeles Raiders running back Marcus Allen rushes upfield during an NFL football game against the New York Giants in 1983 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
San Francisco 49er running back Roger Craig runs with the ball for a gain of a yard as New York Giants defensive end Leonard Marshall grabs hold during the first quarter of their NFL game at Candlestick Park, Nov. 27, 1989. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)
San Francisco 49ers vs New York Giants at Candlestick Park Monday, December 3, 1990. 49er defensive back Ronnie Lott (42) tackles Giants tight end Mark Bavaro (89). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
New York Giants wide receiver Mark Ingram (82) catches a touchdown pass on November 25, 1990 at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants tackle Brad Benson (60) prepares to block during an NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys in East Rutherford on October 30, 1983. The Cowboys defeated the Giants 38-20. (AP Photo/Chuck Solomon)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) sets up to throw a pass in the 1985 NFC Divisional Playoff Game on January 5, 1986 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
San Francisco 49ers vs New York Giants at Candlestick Park Monday, November 27, 1989. (AP Photo/Al Golub)
New York Giants defensive end Lawrence Taylor (56) sets for play in an NFL game in 1990. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor (56) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals Oct.13, 1985 in Cincinnati. (Tony Tomsic via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Mike Friede (88) eludes San Francisco 49ers linebacker Bobby Leopold (52) during an NFL game on November 23 , 1980. The 49ers defeated the Giants 12-0. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) rolls out during an NFL game against the Denver Broncos at Mile High Stadium on December 10, 1989. The Giants defeated the Broncos 14-7. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
San Francisco 49ers vs New York Giants at Candlestick Park Monday, November 27, 1989. 49ers Beat Giants 34-24. Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) passing down field. (AP Photo/Al Golub)
San Francisco 49ers vs New York Giants at Candlestick Park Monday, November 27, 1989. 49ers Beat Giants 34-24. Giants linebacker Pepper Johnson (52) and defensive back Mark Collins (25) combine to stop 49er running back Roger Craig (33). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
New York Giants defensive end Lawrence Taylor (56) sets for play during an NFL game in 1990. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
Dallas Cowboys Tony Dorsett (33) turns the corner during the NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Giants on September 19, 1984 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 28-7. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants defensive lineman Leonard Marshall (70) warms up during an NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Nov. 27, 1989, in San Francisco. The 49ers won the game, 34-24. (AP Photo/Greg Trott)
Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton (34) gets tackled by New York Giants linebacker Harry Carson (53) during the NFL Divisional Playoff Game on January 5, 1986 in Chicago, Illinois. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor (56) pass rushes during an NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys in East Rutherford on October 30, 1983. The Cowboys defeated the Giants 38-20. (AP Photo/Chuck Solomon)
Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman Herbert Scott (68) blocks for Cowboys running back Timmy Newsome (30) as he runs the ball near the goal line during the NFL football game against the New York Giants on September 9, 1984 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 28-7. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants Charles Way (30) goes airborne after being tackled by New England Patriots Teddy Bruschi during the first quarter of action Sunday, Sept. 26, 1999, at Foxboro Stadium in Foxboro, Mass. Way gained a first down which led to the Giants' touchdown. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
New York Giants' quarterback Phil Simms is seen in action, 1984. (AP Photo)
New York Giants fullback Charles Way (31), quarterback Kent Graham (10) and running back Tiki Barber (21) point in confusion towards teammates as they set up their formation in the third quarter during the Giants 31-7 loss to the San Francisco 49ers Monday night, Nov. 30, 1998 at San Francisco's 3Com Park. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
New York Giants Lawrence Taylor (56) moves towards the play during the NFL football game against the Los Angeles Raiders on October 4, 1992 in Los Angeles, California. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants defensive end Lawrence Taylor rushes upfield in 1983. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
New York Giants receiver Chris Calloway is wide open in the endzone as he pulls in a 25 yard pass from quarterback Danny Kannell to score against the San Diego Chargers, in San Diego, in this Sept. 27, 1998 photo. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)
New York Giants Lawrence Taylor (56) in action during a game against the Chicago Bears on September 5, 1993 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. The Giants beat the Bears 26-20. Lawrence Taylor was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1999.(AP Photo/David Durochik)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) calls signals under center Bart Oates (65) in the 1985 NFC Divisional Playoff Game on Jan. 5, 1986 at Soldier Field in Chicago. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor (56) looks into the opposing backfield during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams on October 18, 1992, at Anaheim Stadium in Anaheim, California. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
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