DL Dexter Lawrence II -- May 3, 2019
Q: On being underestimated getting to the QB
A: Definitely underrated. Its kind of on me to prove myself, right, because I know who I am and to prove others wrong. Ive always been able to collapse the pocket, now Im focused on escaping blocks or finishing the plays and things like that.
Q: Do people know the difference between what youve been asked to do and what you could do?
A: Great question. I dont know how to answer that. Kind of just within. Im asked to go make plays, so thats what I do. I always like a challenge, so I never shy away from a challenge.
Q: Who are you as a player
A: Smart. Physical. Instinctive defensive lineman. Tough, none quitting dude. Just ready to work, work every day and be great.
Q: On his best position
A: Here, I think I can play all three positions. From the shade or the three technique.
Q: On the scheme being a great fit for his talents
A: Like I said, I feel I can play anywhere. I feel comfortable today out there. I felt pretty comfortable playing all three positions. I kind of did that in college as well. Wed learn multiple, so Im kind of fluid with it and comfortable with it.
Q: On playing against Daniel Jones
A: Thats my guy. Going to the game, watching film, obviously he is very talented. So that gave me a little more motivation to kind of go get him. He a great player, I think he deserved to go sixth, so thats what happened.
Q: On replacing Damon Harrison and possibly watching him
A: I didnt quite watch him a lot. I never really got a chance to watch him.
Q: On his eagerness to get on the field
A: Really eager. This is the longest I havent played football in years, since December. Today felt great. Being the first time back on the field since early December. Just moving around, putting my hands on some people. It was good. I missed it a lot.
Q: On the Giants great defensive linemen of the past
A: Definitely. I grew up a fan. Kind of coming here, gave me a little more motivation because the standard is here. So, you got to try to beat that standard or be better than that standard. That is one of my goals as Im here; break the standard. All these great defensive linemen that came through here and did their thing. My thing is it always starts upfront. Lets make the back seven and all their jobs easy.
Q: On how he feels about being picked with the choice obtained in the Odell Beckham trade
A: Going through the process, I had a feeling I would probably go to four teams, that were really good on me. When they got another first round pick, I said okay thats a little more promising because all the talk, talking about picking a quarterback and stuff like that. So when they made that trade, I smiled a little bit more and I just so happened to be that pick.
Q: On the setting his sights to be a Giant
A: Definitely, like I said, I grew up a fan. Always wanted to play here just because of history. The history is great. Just to come out here and bring that tradition back.
Q: On being forever linked to that trade
A: I dont feel pressure. When they called my name, that wasnt on my mind. Today, thats not on my mind. Im a football player, Im a defensive tackle, hes a receiver. I got to go out here and make plays and do what I can.
Q: Did you expect that you might end up a Giant
A: Yeah, it was between about four teams. This is one of the teams I thought I would get drafted by. My agent was talking, hes a little conservative, so he was talking a little down towards the end of the (first round of the) draft. But I knew who I was, I knew what kind of player I was. Im in the best spot.
Q: On other Clemson linemen in the pros and the things he wants to work on
A: Definitely. Probably my last year DaQuan Bowers, he was a good mentor, talking to us. Grady Jarrett; just talking to those guys, they just told me just to work every day and to prove yourself every day. Just to do the little things right, take care of your body, watch a little more film. Just the little things that will equal up to the big things at the end of the day.
Q: On his last name
A: Im always Lawrence the second. Right now they have me as Lawrence, but I got that fixed quick.
Art Stapleton
Verified account @art_stapleton
2m2 minutes ago
Only two Giants players that I have covered as massive as Dexter Lawrence: Shaun Rogers and Shawn Andrews.
I joked with @llawrence2139 that he looked like he was going to lift the podium up and swing it around.
"Like Hulk?" he said.
Yeah, exactly like Hulk.
That's not something everyone would say.
Very excited for these 3. Also, Love was a great pick.