When general manager Dave Gettleman selected Clemson defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence with the 17th overall pick in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft, most were dumb-founded.
After snagging Daniel Jones at No. 6, most were ready to admit Gettleman to an insane asylum. With Montez Sweat on the board, it was an interesting signing, but after further review, it makes sense given the Giants’ defensive scheme.
DC James Bettcher’s 3-4 style of play forced the interior defensive line to do a lot of the heavy lifting, ultimately valuing interior defenders more than outside linebackers. That attests to the lack of resources they allocated toward the position and why letting Olivier Vernon go wasn’t a caution-worthy decision.