"I Have A Fire": Dexter Lawrence Shares His Feelings Over Bengals Trading 10th Overall Pick
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 28: Dexter Lawrence 97 of the New York Giants runs after intercepting a pass during the game against the Los Angeles Chargers on September 28, 2025 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA SEP 28 Chargers at Giants EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon25092818612
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 28: Dexter Lawrence 97 of the New York Giants runs after intercepting a pass during the game against the Los Angeles Chargers on September 28, 2025 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA SEP 28 Chargers at Giants EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon25092818612
The Bengals pulled the trigger on a bold move before the 2026 NFL Draft, trading their 10th pick for Dexter Lawrence II. Now, the defensive tackle has spoken about this inside Paycor Stadium.
During his introductory press conference, the massive DT didn’t sugarcoat how he felt about the cost of bringing him to Cincinnati.
“I know they gave up a lot for me, and I appreciate that, and I don’t take that for granted. I have a fire in me.”
At 6-foot-4 and 340 pounds, Lawrence instantly gives the Bengals a different kind of presence in the middle of the defensive line.
New York Giants defensive linemen Dexter Lawrence 97 talks with media during training camp at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey. /CSM East Rutherford United States - ZUMAc04_ 20250723_zma_c04_146 Copyright: xDuncanxWilliamsx
New York Giants defensive linemen Dexter Lawrence 97 talks with media during training camp at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey. /CSM East Rutherford United States - ZUMAc04_ 20250723_zma_c04_146 Copyright: xDuncanxWilliamsx
Lawrence couldn’t hide his excitement when he first stepped on the Paycor turf.
“I picked up a little turf on the field. got chills when I went out there. I just see myself helping this team be where it’s supposed to be,” said Lawrence.
With 30.5 career sacks and the ability to both collapse the pocket and anchor the run, he gives the Bengals something they’ve been missing. The bigger question now is whether trading away that high draft pick was the right call, and what it says about where this franchise sees itself heading.
Why Bengals Passed on Draft Options at No. 10
The Bengals’ decision to trade their No. 10 pick did not come out of nowhere. Reports suggest the team had multiple players graded highly, but they were not fully convinced those options would still be available when their turn came.
There was also concern about value. Even if some prospects were on their board, they may not have been worth taking at that spot. They decided to move for a proven player much more easily.
Former scout Bryan Broaddus shared an interesting detail.
“Here’s intel for you, they were going to reach on Peter Woods,” Broaddus said. “They were going to reach on a defensive tackle, is what they were going to do.”
Woods was once seen as a top-10 level prospect, but his ranking later dropped to No. 33 on Pro Football Focus. While he has talent, picking him at No. 10 could have raised questions about value and timing.
The Bengals opted for a veteran instead. Lawrence delivers instant impact up front, fixing the Bengals' defensive line woes from recent seasons. Holding out for a rookie just didn't match their win-now push.
It's a straightforward strategy: contend immediately, with Lawrence bolstering the defense from day one.
Do you think Lawrence would give the Bengals the defensive strength?
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Written by
Anjali Thakur
Edited by
Zaid Quraishi