Dexter Lawrence Named Giants' 2023 MVP by CBS Sports

The New York Giants defensive line has been a team strength for several years. And right there leading the way on that unit is two-time Pro Bowl interior defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence, CBS Sports' choice for the Giants' 2023 MVP.

"The 26-year-old has established himself as one of the top defensive tackles in the league," noted article author Tyler Sullivan of the choice. "This is the second year in a row that Lawrence has been named to the Pro Bowl while also getting second-team All-Pro honors. He finished the year with 4.5 sacks, 53 tackles, 21 quarterback hits, and two pass breakups. Undoubtedly, he was New York's best player in 2023."

Lawrence was drafted in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Since then, he has steadily improved every season he's been in the league. His growth as a player was seen last season when he posted the best season of his career, registering 68 tackles and 7.5 sacks.

The Giants rewarded Lawrence with a four-year, $90 million contract extension before the start of training camp last year. He'd repay them with another productive season, making the Giants' decision thus far a wise choice.

This season, he followed up the best season of his career with a season almost identical to his career year. Lawrence would account for 53 total tackles, with 32 being solo tackles, the second-highest number of solo tackles in his career. He'd also finish the season with 4.5 sacks, also the second-highest number of his career.

While his stats weren't quite what they were last season, Lawrence's production and value to the Giants on the field were about the same. The Giants may have finished 6-11 this season, but Lawrence did his part to help the team. He was named an All-Pro and voted to the Pro Bowl, the second season in a row he achieved both honors.

Most would agree that Lawrence, who did miss his first career game due to injury (hamstring) this year, was one of, if not the best, player on the Giants' defense this season.