Rival GM says he’d take Dexter Lawrence over every defensive player in the 2026 NFL Draft

TL;DR

A rival NFL GM stated he would choose Dexter Lawrence over any defensive player in the 2026 NFL Draft, highlighting his exceptional talent. The Cincinnati Bengals' trade for Lawrence is viewed positively, as it aims to enhance their defense immediately.

Key points

Rival GM prefers Dexter Lawrence over all defensive players in 2026 draft
Bengals traded for Lawrence to enhance their defense
Trade viewed positively by other teams and GMs

Cincinnati BengalsNew York Giants

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JANUARY 07: Dexter Lawrence II #97 of the New York Giants in action against Sua Opeta #78 and Landon Dickerson #69 of the Philadelphia Eagles during their game at MetLife Stadium on January 07, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) | Getty Images Cincinnati Bengals fans are feeling a lot of different things after the Dexter Lawrence trade. Joy, on account of the defense getting a big boost and giving Joe Burrow a chance to compete again. Confusion, because the Bengals did something they’ve never done before. And nervousness, as there’s no guarantee Lawrence will be able to deliver the kind of value a top 10 pick would. Well, if it’s any relief, other teams and GMs seem to agree with the wisdom behind the move. According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, the Bengals looked at the likelihood they’d ended up drafting someone they had a mid-to-late first-round grade on with the tenth pick and decided they’d rather get someone who can contribute now. “It’s **a sentiment I’ve heard from other teams**, too, in the aftermath of the deal,” . “There’s nobody of [Lawrence’s] talent in this year’s draft,” Breer quoted **one rival GM** as saying. “I would take him over every defensive player in this draft.” So the Bengals, for once, utilized their Draft capital aggressively, and they are largely getting praise as a result.

Q&A

Why did the Cincinnati Bengals trade for Dexter Lawrence?

The Bengals traded for Dexter Lawrence to boost their defense and provide immediate contributions rather than relying on a mid-to-late first-round draft pick.

What did the rival GM say about Dexter Lawrence's talent?

The rival GM claimed that there is no defensive player in the 2026 NFL Draft who matches Lawrence's talent, stating he would choose Lawrence over any of them.

How are other teams reacting to the Bengals' trade for Lawrence?

Other teams and GMs are largely praising the Bengals' decision to trade for Lawrence, agreeing that it was a wise move given his talent.