Dexter Lawrence is Giants’ lone Pro Bowler, as Saquon Barkley, Kayvon Thibodeaux miss out

Throughout the Giants’ miserable season — which has them at 5-11 entering Sunday’s finale against the Eagles — defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence clearly stood out as their best player.

No surprise there.

So it also came as no surprise that Lawrence on Wednesday was named the Giants’ lone 2023 Pro Bowler.

Running back Saquon Barkley is a second alternate after making the Pro Bowl last season for the second time. Outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux — last year’s fifth overall draft pick — is a third alternate for this season’s Pro Bowl.

The Giants drafted Lawrence 17th overall in 2019, and he made the Pro Bowl last season for the first time. He also was a second-team All-Pro selection last season. Leading into 2023, he signed a lucrative second contract with the Giants — $46.5 million fully guaranteed at signing.

And he played up to that contract this season. He is Pro Football Focus’ top-rated interior defensive lineman. He also is first in pass rush and third in run defense.

So Lawrence has a shot at being a first-team All-Pro selection this year. Last season, the Chiefs’ Chris Jones and Jets’ Quinnen Williams finished ahead of him, as Lawrence was a second-teamer along with the Titans’ Jeffery Simmons.

Here is more context on Lawrence making the Pro Bowl, via the Giants’ announcement:

He is the first Giants defensive lineman to receive the honor in consecutive seasons since end Jason Pierre-Paul in 2011-12, and the team’s first interior lineman to be selected to multiple Pro Bowls since tackle Arnie Weinmeister went to four in a row from 1950-53.

Lawrence is the first Giants player selected to successive Pro Bowls since safety Landon Collins from 2016-18. Last year, Lawrence was the Giants’ first Pro Bowl interior lineman since nose tackle Erik Howard in 1990.

Darryl Slater may be reached at [email protected].