New York Giants defensive linemen Dexter Lawerence put it all together in 2022 and had a monster season, as a result.

And the rest of the NFL paid attention to what he did.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler recently released his top-10 defensive linemen and Lawerence came in at No. 6, just barely missing the top-5. The key with Fowler's lists is they are comprised via the votes of NFL executives, coaches, players, and scouts -so it's not just his opinion- it's the opinions of more than 80 of the aforementioned people.

Lawrence has had an impressive seven months. He capped off a 7.5-sack season by helping lead the Giants to the playoffs and a wild-card win in Minnesota. In May, he landed a four-year, $90-million extension with the club.

"Flat-out dominant run defender," an NFC executive said. "He can create for himself or others. Can overwhelm. If your center isn't a top-level guy, he will dominate him. Sack production isn't elite but he was better last year."

Lawrence's 43 pressures ranked second among defensive tackles last year, behind Jones. That's more pressures than Lawrence had in 2020 and 2021 combined (42). 

Lawrence has proved he is more than just a run-stopper. The 43 pressures is nothing short of impressive and allows the Giants to keep him on the field for all three downs. Per Pro Football Focus, he received the No. 1 pass rushing grade among all defensive linemen when facing true pass sets, and in general, last year. 

But, not everyone is sold on Lawrence. One anonymous executive made that pretty clear.

"Now that he has the contract, I'm curious if he keeps up the same level of play," an AFC executive said. "I thought his intensity would come and go a bit coming out of college."

2023 represents a great chance for the fifth-year player to not only prove his doubters wrong by showing that 2022 wasn't just a fluke. Another year in Wink Marindale's defense, along with the development that should accompany Azeez Ojulari, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and others, should have Lawrence even higher on Fowler's 2024 rendition.

You can check out Fowler's full column, here.

Featured image via Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports