Dan Salomone

Defensive lineman Darius Alexander, the first pick in the third round (65th overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft, signed his rookie contract after Monday's OTA practice at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center.

The Toledo product is the sixth member of the seven-player draft class to sign so far, joining outside linebacker Abdul Carter (third overall pick), quarterback Jaxson Dart (25th overall), offensive lineman Marcus Mbow (fifth round), tight end Thomas Fidone II (seventh round), and cornerback Korie Black (seventh round).

The Giants see a "high ceiling" for Alexander as he develops in a deep defensive front, which includes three-time Pro Bowl selection Dexter Lawrence.

"I would say for me the main goal is just coming here as a young guy, working, getting to learn my teammates, getting to learn my defense and getting to learn my coaches," Alexander said at rookie minicamp.

Alexander added: "Next thing after that, it'd be just effort, just going out there running fast to the ball everywhere it goes. So, I'd say that's the key to success right there."

Alexander was one of 27 defensive tackles selected in the 2025 draft, tied for the most (2001) since the start of the seven-round format in 1994.

In his final collegiate performance, the 6-foot-4, 305-pounder returned an interception 58 yards for a touchdown with 7:49 left in regulation. His Toledo Rockets went on to defeat Pittsburgh 48-36 in a bowl-record six overtimes at the GameAbove Sports Bowl at Ford Field. Alexander also had a sack in the game.

Alexander, a native of Fort Wayne, Ind., notched 28 reps in the bench press at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, second-most among defensive tackles. The Athletic's Bruce Feldman ranked him No. 53 on his annual College Football Freaks List, highlighting his 400-pound bench press, 30-inch vertical, and 20 mph on GPS.

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