The Dexter Lawrence situation has escalated quickly for the New York Giants, going from a simple contract dispute to a trade demand and now legitimate reports about New York mulling trade offers.
If the Giants do end up moving on from Lawrence, they’re going to need to make a corresponding move.
They’ve yet to make any major additions to their interior defensive line room, and if their Pro Bowler is gone, the position gets significantly weaker.
New York could look to the 2026 NFL Draft to find their eventual Lawrence replacement, and they’re set to host an intriguing prospect who could slide right in at nose tackle.
Giants Host Texas Tech DT Lee Hunter on 30 Visit
New York Giants analyst Bobby Skinner reported on Tuesday that the team was planning on hosting Texas Tech defensive lineman Lee Hunter on a Top 30 pre-draft visit.
On Wednesday, Hunter revealed he was in the facility via his Instagram.
Hunter was a member of Texas Tech’s vaunted defense that dominated the Big 12 last season, contributing as a key member of their incredibly talented defensive front.
According to Pro Football Focus, Hunter was the 39th-highest-graded interior defensive lineman among 887 qualified players.
The 6-foot-4, 330-pound defensive tackle recorded 25 pressures, four quarterback hits, 19 hurries, and two sacks in 2025. While not the stat sheet stuffer, Hunter is a real space eater and could provide a boost for the Giants’ horrid run defense.
He’s a legitimate option for the Giants with their second-round pick, at No. 37.
Giants In-House Defensive Tackle Outlook
Even before the contract problems with Lawrence reared their ugly head, the New York Giants were in need of defensive linemen.
The Giants added former Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Sam Roberts in free agency, but he’s a depth piece at best.
New York hosted veterans Shelby Harris and D.J. Reader on free agent visits, and either one would be a solid acquisition, but the Giants need a future plan in place.
2025 third-round pick Darius Alexander showed some promise throughout his rookie season. In 16 games, he recorded 3.5 sacks and four tackles for loss.
But he graded out as the 121st-best defensive tackle, according to PFF, and can’t be relied on to be a Week 1 starter, especially if Lawrence is traded.
Ninth-year veteran Roy Robertson-Harris is under contract for 2026, but similarly to Alexander, he wasn’t exactly a world beater in 2025.
He was Pro Football Focus’s 91st-best defensive tackle last season among 134 qualified players.
Giants Have No Choice But to Add More Defensive Tackles
A Lawrence trade is starting to feel like a matter of when and not if, and the New York Giants need to be prepared.
Not only should they look to add one of the aforementioned veterans they hosted on a free agent visit, but to make a meaningful addition in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Hunter is, of course, a great option, and it seems like the Giants are getting a pretty good look at him with their pre-draft visit. But he’s not the only defensive tackle prospect.
Florida’s Caleb Banks and Ohio State’s Kayden McDonald are also projected to be some big-bodied defenders on the interior in defensive line, and could be available when the Giants are on the clock at No. 37.
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