EAST RUTHRFORD, N.J. – Dexter Lawrence was a good but not great player in the first three seasons after the Giants selected him 17th overall in the 2019 NFL Draft. He missed only one game and averaged 3.0 sacks, 10 quarterback hits and was a solid run defender. But the defensive lineman from Clemson expected much more of himself.
He yearned to significantly improve in 2022. So, before training camp began last summer, Lawrence gave himself a pep talk.
"I told myself to embrace the lights," he said. "I wouldn't say I shied away from it before, but I didn't fully embrace it. That helped me build the confidence to continue to be consistent and continue to know what it takes to be consistent and be productive and be disruptive."
View photos of defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence's career with the Giants.
NT Dexter Lawrence II (97)
NT Dexter Lawrence II (97)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II (97) during a week 7 NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, October 22, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
NT Dexter Lawrence II (97)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II (97)
NT Dexter Lawrence II (97)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II (97) during a week 11 NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, November 19, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II (97) during a week 2 NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
NT Dexter Lawrence II (97)
NT Dexter Lawrence II (97)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Dexter Lawrence
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during a NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday November 14, 2022 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
The New York Giants take on the Baltimore Ravens at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Sunday October 16, 2022. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Dexter Lawrence
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Xavier McKinney (29), Dexter Lawrence (97)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during a football game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday October 2, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
NT Dexter Lawrence II (97)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Henry Mondeaux (96), Dexter Lawrence (97)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Dexter Lawrence (97), D.J. Davidson (98)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
The New York Giants take on the Baltimore Ravens at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Sunday October 16, 2022. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Dexter Lawrence
Dexter Lawrence
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) talks to his teammates before a week 6 football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday October 17th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants Media Day Photography Shoot.
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) runs around the edge during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. Arizona won 27-21. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence signs autographs prior to an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) runs around the edge as Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce (62) blocks during an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 9, 2019, in Philadelphia. Philadelphia won 23-17 in overtime. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) lines up on the line of scrimmage during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, Dec. 9, 2019, in Philadelphia. Philadelphia won 23-17 in overtime. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) pass rushes into the backfield during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, Dec. 9, 2019, in Philadelphia. Philadelphia won 23-17 in overtime. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) pass rushes into the backfield during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, Dec. 9, 2019, in Philadelphia. Philadelphia won 23-17 in overtime. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) gets set at the line of scrimmage during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, Dec. 9, 2019, in Philadelphia. The Eagles defeated the Giants in overtime, 23-17. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New York Giants Media Day Photography Shoot.
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) gets set at the line of scrimmage during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, Dec. 9, 2019, in Philadelphia. The Eagles defeated the Giants in overtime, 23-17. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday December 29th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants first round draft pick Dexter Lawrence, selected 17th overall, talks to reporters during NFL football rookie camp, Friday, May 3, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants linebacker Lorenzo Carter (59), defensive end Leonard Williams (99) and defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) look on during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, Dec. 9, 2019, in Philadelphia. The Eagles defeated the Giants in overtime, 23-17. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackles Dexter Lawrence (97) and Dalvin Tomlinson (94) before an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday December 29th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday December 29th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants defensive linemen B.J. Hill (95), Dexter Lawrence (97), Dalvin Tomlinson (94) and Leonard Williams (99) lead the team onto the field before an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins Sunday December 15th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) rushes during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, Dec. 9, 2019, in Philadelphia. The Eagles defeated the Giants in overtime, 23-17. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) runs around the edge during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, Dec. 9, 2019, in Philadelphia. Philadelphia won 23-17 in overtime. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) rushes during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, Dec. 9, 2019, in Philadelphia. The Eagles defeated the Giants in overtime, 23-17. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) celebrates a play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with defensive end Dalvin Tomlinson (94) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
New York Giants defensive linemen Dalvin Tomlinson (94) and Dexter Lawrence (97) look into the backfield during an NFL game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019, in Chicago. The Bear defeated the Giants 19-14. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
Chicago Bears quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) throws a pass while being pressured by New York Giants defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence (97) during an NFL game, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019, in Chicago. The Bear defeated the Giants 19-14. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019 in Foxborough, Mass. (Winslow Townson/AP Images for Panini)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears Sunday November 24, 2019 in Chicago (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) sits at his locker before an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears Sunday November 24, 2019 in Chicago (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence II (97) is double teamed as he pass rushes during an NFL game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019 in Chicago. The Bears defeated the Colts 19-14. (Greg Trott via AP)
New York Giants defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence II (97) waits for the snap during an NFL game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019 in Chicago. The Bears defeated the Colts 19-14. (Greg Trott via AP)
Former Clemson standouts and now current NFL players (l-r) Dexter Lawrence-New York Giants and Adam Humphries-Tennessee Titans, greet the fans during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Wake Forest Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) wraps up Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) during a Monday Night NFL football game Monday November 4, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus via AP)
Dallas Cowboys center Travis Frederick (72) blocks New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II (97) during an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2019, in East Rutherford, NJ. The Cowboys defeated the Giants, 38-17. (James D. Smith via AP)
Dallas Cowboys center Travis Frederick (72) blocks New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. Dallas won 37-18. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97), defensive end Dalvin Tomlinson (94) and offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) before an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday October 27, 2019 in Detroit. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) attempts to block field goal during an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday October 27, 2019 in Detroit. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) looks to pass as New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) closes in during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday October 20, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) and defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) react after the Dallas Cowboys scored a touchdown during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) rushes during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots defeated the Giants, 35-14. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) celebrates during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday September 22, 2019 in Tampa, Fla. ( Tom DiPace via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) rushes during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots defeated the Giants, 35-14. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) waits for the snap against the Minnesota Vikings during the third quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) celebrates after a defensive play during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. The Giants defeated the Buccaneers 32-31. (Perry Knotts via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) and linebacker Oshane Ximines (53) sack Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) and linebacker Oshane Ximines (53) sack Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) attempts to block the ball on a kick during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. Dallas won 35-17. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday September 22, 2019 in Tampa, Fla. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins Sunday September 29, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday September 15, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants players, including Antonio Hamilton (30), Sterling Shepard (87), Michael Thomas, and Dexter Lawrence (97) celebrate after the team defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
New York Giants defensive tackle Olsen Pierre (72) and defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) take down Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Peyton Barber (25) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) rushes against Buffalo Bills offensive guard Quinton Spain (67) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Bills defeated the Giants, 28-14. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New York Giants Media Day Photography Shoot.
Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard (20) is tackled during an NFL football game by New York Giants defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence II (97) and his teammates, Sunday Sept. 8, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys defeated the Giants 35-17. (Greg Trott via AP)
New York Giants Media Day Photography Shoot.
New York Giants outside linebacker Alec Ogletree (47) and defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) rush during an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Bills defeated the Giants, 28-14. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) hypes up the crowd during an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Bills defeated the Giants, 28-14. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) shakes hands with New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) during NFL training camp on Thursday July 25, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) before an NFL football preseason game against the New England Patriots, Thursday, August 28, 2019 in Foxborough, Mass. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence II (97) rushes during an NFL game against the Chicago Bears, Friday, Aug. 16, 2019, East Rutherford, NJ. The Giants defeated the Bears 32-13. (Al Tielemans via AP)
New York Giants Media Day Photography Shoot.
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during a preseason week 2 game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, August 16, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackles B.J. Hill, Dexter Lawrence (97) and Dalvin Tomlinson (94) before an NFL football preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, August 22, 2019 in Cincinnati. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during NFL training camp on Thursday July 25, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants first round draft pick Dexter Lawrence talks to the media on the first day of rookie mini camp on Friday May 3, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence (97) on the first day of rookie mini camp on Friday May 3, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
Dexter Lawrence, the New York Giants No. 17 overall draft pick, talks to reporters during NFL football rookie camp, Friday, May 3, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence (97) practices during rookie mini camp on Saturday May 4, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants Media Day Photography Shoot.
New York Giants DL Dexter Lawrence (97) during a week 15 game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants DL Dexter Lawrence (97) during a week 13 game against the Green Bay Packers at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
Rookie Halloween visit to Hackensack University Medical Center
Service members at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
21 Bridges Premiere at Lincoln Center.
Rookie Halloween visit to Hackensack University Medical Center
New York Giants DL Dexter Lawrence (97) during a week 7 game against the Arizona Cardinals at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants Media Day Photography Shoot.
New York Giants Media Day Photography Shoot.
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) takes part in a week 4 regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium on Sunday October 6th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants Media Day Photography Shoot.
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during a week 17 regular season game against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium on Sunday December 29th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Clemson defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (90) sacks Virginia Tech quarterback Jerod Evans (4), during the second half of the Atlantic Coast Conference championship NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Clemson's Dexter Lawrence, right, and Christian Wilkins runs drills during NFL Pro Day Thursday, March 14, 2019, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
Clemson's Dexter Lawrence runs drills during NFL Pro Day Thursday, March 14, 2019, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
Portraits of Clemson defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence during the NFL Scouting Combine, Saturday, March 2, 2019, in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
Portraits of Clemson defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence during the NFL Scouting Combine, Saturday, March 2, 2019, in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
Portraits of Clemson defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence during the NFL Scouting Combine, Saturday, March 2, 2019, in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
Clemson's Dexter Lawrence runs drills during NFL Pro Day, Thursday, March 14, 2019, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
Portraits of Clemson defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence during the NFL Scouting Combine, Saturday, March 2, 2019, in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
Portraits of Clemson defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence during the NFL Scouting Combine, Saturday, March 2, 2019, in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
Clemson defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence does the bench press drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Clemson's Dexter Lawrence (90) celebrates his sack of Miami's Malik Rosier (12) during the second half of the Atlantic Coast Conference championship NCAA college football game in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Clemson defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (90) warms up before the first half of an NCAA college football game between Georgia Tech and Clemson, Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jon Barash)
Clemson defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 3, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney greets defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (90) during team practice at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Monday, Dec. 24, 2018. Clemson is scheduled to play Notre Dame in the NCAA Cotton Bowl semi-final playoff Saturday. (AP Photo/Jim Cowsert)
Clemson defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, left, sacks Auburn quarterback Jeremy Johnson during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 3, 2016, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Clemson's Dexter Lawrence brings down Georgia Southern quarterback Shai Werts during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018, in Clemson, S.C. Clemson won 38-7. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
Clemson defenders Clelin Ferrell (99) Christian Wilkins (42) Kendell Joseph (34) and Dexter Lawrence (90) run off of the field during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Furman Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, in Clemson, S.C. Clemson won 48-7. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
Clemson's Dexter Lawrence (90) rushes as North Carolina State's Tony Adams (50) defends during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017. Clemson won 38-31. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)
Clemson defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (90) pressures Syracuse quarterback Eric Dungey (2) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Oct. 13, 2017, in Syracuse, N.Y. Syracuse upset Clemson 27-24. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
Boston College running back Davon Jones (16) is brought down by Clemson defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (90) during the first half of an NCAA football game Friday, Oct. 7, 2016, in Boston. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Clemson's Dexter Lawrence battles with Boston College's Aaron Monteiro during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017, in Clemson, S.C. Clemson won 34-7. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during a week 16 football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday December 26th, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
DL Dexter Lawrence (97)
DL Dexter Lawrence (97)
DL Dexter Lawrence (97)
DL Dexter Lawrence (97)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
DL Dexter Lawrence (97)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Korey Cunningham (79), Dexter Lawrence (97)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Dexter Lawrence (97), Leonard Williams (99)
Tae Crowder (48), Leonard Williams (99), Dexter Lawrence (97)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Leonard Williams (99), Dexter Lawrence (97)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) before a week 1 game against the Denver Broncos on September 12th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during a week 13 football game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday December 5th, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida
Jarren Williams (34), Dexter Lawrence (97)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) celebrates a sack during a week 6 football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday October 17th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during a week 15 football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday December 19th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Dexter Lawrence (97), Leonard Williams (99)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) and defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) sack Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during a week 6 football game on Sunday October 17th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) talks to his team mates before a week 5 game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas on Sunday October 10th, 2021,
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during a week 14 football game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, December 12, 2021 in Inglewood, California.
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during a week 9 football game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday November 8th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during a week 11 football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday November 22nd, 2021 in Tampa, Florida
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) talks to his team mates before a week 5 game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas on Sunday October 10th, 2021,
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) before a week 9 football game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday November 8th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) dances during a week 7 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday October 24th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during a week 7 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday October 24th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during a week 12 football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday November 28th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during a week 1 game against the Denver Broncos on September 12th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
NT Dexter Lawrence II (97)
NT Dexter Lawrence II (97)
NT Dexter Lawrence II (97)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II (97) during a week 8 NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, October 29, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
NT Dexter Lawrence II (97)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II (97) during a week 6 NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, October 15, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
NT Dexter Lawrence II (97), ILB Bobby Okereke (58)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II (97) during a week 9 NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, November 5, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada, (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II (97) before a week 8 NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, October 29, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II (97) during a week 8 NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, October 29, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II (97)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5), NT Dexter Lawrence II (97)
He was all that and more in a breakout season. Lawrence was selected to the Pro Bowl and named second-team all-pro as he finished with career bests in tackles (68), solo stops (35), as well as team-best totals in sacks (7.5), tackles for loss (7, tied with Jihad Ward) and quarterback hits (28). Lawrence was the first Giants defensive lineman to be selected to the Pro Bowl since end Jason Pierre-Paul in 2012, and the first interior lineman to go since nose tackle Erik Howard in 1990. He was one of the very best players on team that finished 9-7-1 and won a playoff game.
The Giants rewarded him with a lucrative four-year contract extension that Lawrence said gives him "the opportunity to change my kids' kids' lives, and I'm happy about that."
Lawrence said the negotiations "went smoothly," largely because each side had a strong desire to stay connected.
"Through the whole process, I was like, 'I want to play here, I want to be a Giant,'" Lawrence said. "We have something going here, we're building something special, and you can see it from the outside and inside it's even more beautiful. I'm excited for what's going on. The whole process I was in communication like this is where I want to be, and we got it done."
Lawrence has not participated in the Giants' voluntary offseason conditioning program and instead has been training in Florida. He flew to New Jersey this morning to sign his contract and then walked out to the practice fields where the rookie minicamps were being held and greeted coach Brian Daboll, general manager Joe Schoen and several other team officials. The veterans will return to work Monday, but it's unclear when Lawrence will join them.
"I'll be back with my guys," he said. "I'm excited. There's still stuff I've got to take care of. I've been in constant communication with the coaches. It's voluntary, so we'll talk about it."
Daboll will be pleased when Lawrence arrives.
"I've talked to Dex," he said. "I've talked to him before, I talked to him yesterday and talked to him today. Obviously, he's excited and we're happy to have him."
Lawrence spread around the cheer when he spoke to the media this morning but was particularly enthused when he discussed defensive coordinator Wink Martindale and his scheme. Martindale had Martindale play more at nose tackle last season, a shift that unleased Lawrence's dominance. Lawrence had at least one quarterback hit in every game but one, with a high of five in a victory against Houston. He had 4.0 sacks in a three-game stretch from Oct. 2-16.
"I'm a disrupter," he said. "I think it was just the team that they built around, having guys like Azeez (Ojulari) when he was showing up, Tibs (Kayvon Thibodeaux), Leo (Leonard Williams), Jelly (Justin Ellis), guys like that, and then the coaches helping you create that confidence, continuing to help you master your craft. I think it was a whole totality of that, other than my position change.
"I think I just learned my craft better and mastered it a little more. I still have work to do, but I think that was just the confidence I built from that helped me be as productive as I was."
When did Lawrence know he was becoming the player he knew he was capable of being?
"Probably during (training) camp," he said. "Making plays in camp, not making the same mistakes, trying something new and correcting it and not making that mistake again. It was a step-by-step thing with me. It started with hands and my feet and my long arms and my snatch – the process of those things coming along.
"(During the season) I felt on a weekly basis I was improving in one thing and then the next thing. It all started flowing together."
Lawrence is the first to admit he was far from perfect.
"I did miss a lot of plays," he said. "The coaches will tell you and I like when they tell me stuff like that. I respect that."
Lawrence also spoke about the plays he could have made but didn't when asked if he believes he ranks among the NFL's greatest defensive tackles.
"I feel like I'm definitely up there," he said. "I have a lot more to go. I missed a lot of plays last year that I know I can get. Right now, it's just continuing to master my craft and finishing plays that I could have made last year. Comparing myself between everybody, I'm not really that type of guy, I just know my standard for myself, and I know what I can do and what I can produce."
Now comfortably established as a premier defensive lineman, Lawrence has some very lofty goals.
"My ultimate goal is to be legendary, to be a Hall of Famer," he said. "I got drafted. That's one step. Okay, let's have a good rookie year. Let's not make the same mistakes the next year. Let's keep building until you get to where you're at, and I'm not where I'm at now, where I want to be. I think it's just a constant growth, as a person honestly and then as a player."
Where does he want to be?
"I want to be a Hall of Famer," he said.
The Giants will be thrilled if he plays like one.
