Tyler Smith: Giants' Dexter Lawrence is 'a nightmare assignment'

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 25: Dexter Lawrence II #97 of the New York Giants celebrates a tackle for loss during the second quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 25, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)

New York Giants nose tackle Dexter Lawrence is a menace. He’s arguably the best interior defensive lineman in football and his back-to-back Pro Bowl nods and Second Team All-Pro honors support that.

Few know the challenges of taking on Lawrence better than his NFC East rivals, who have the unfortunate task of trying to stop him twice per season.

During a sit down with the NFLPA at the 2024 Pro Bowl Games, Dallas Cowboys guard Tyler Smith paid Lawrence the ultimate compliment.

“Dexter Lawrence… He’s pretty good,” Smith said. “It’s rare that you see a dude at that size be able to move like that. So, I think he’s probably a nightmare assignment for anybody.”

But Smith wasn’t the only one paying their respects to Lawrence.

Philadelphia Eagles center and future Pro Football Hall of Famer, Jason Kelce, also named Sexy Dexy as his toughest matchup.

“I’d be remiss if I didn’t say Dexter Lawrence,” Kelce stated. “He’s got a good blend of everything — speed, power, and athleticism.”

Asked about his toughest matchup, Lawrence returned the respect and named Kelce.

“Jason Kelce. He’s a legend,” Lawrence said.

It’s one thing to earn praise from colleagues who only see your work on film. It’s quite another to be regarded as the very best by your most hated rivals.

Kelce and Smith naming Lawrence as their toughest matchup speaks volumes about the 26-year-old.

This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Tyler Smith: Giants’ Dexter Lawrence is ‘a nightmare assignment’