Dexter Lawrence’s under-the-surface stats and AFC North fit will greatly benefit the Bengals

Oct 28, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II (97) sacks Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images | Barry Reeger-Imagn Images News broke on Saturday that the Cincinnati Bengals executed a pre-NFL Draft trade that is among the most profound in team history. Cincinnati agreed to send its No.

10 overall pick to the Giants for star defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence. Aside from his sheer size and power to combat the rough-and-tumble AFC North divisional foes, Lawrence brings more to the table that goes beyond the more pronounced stat lines. Warren Sharp, one of the preeminent NFL analytics minds, unveiled a number of reasons why this move is such a good one for the Bengals.

some thoughts on Lawrence to Cincy… <buckle up> Dexter Lawrence is a 28-year old stud he spent most of his career playing vs elite interior OLs of the Eagles & Cowboys he's been double-teamed at the highest rate in the NFL he's now playing in the AFC North Ravens lost… — Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) April 19, 2026 Obviously, there is a lot to unpack here. Last year appeared to be a prime opportunity for the Bengals to re-seize the division, with the Ravens posting a losing record (8-9) and a very flawed Pittsburgh Steelers squad winning the North with 10 wins. Aside from a trio of new coaches everywhere but Cincinnati and Trey Hendrickson heading to Baltimore, the in-division squads face many of the same doubts.

Most notably, as Sharp points out, is former Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum signing with the Raiders this offseason. That’s an immediate mismatch in favor of Cincinnati. Personally, I’ve looked at how teams do and should address the draft with a bit of divisional goggles on during the weekend.