We continue our 2025 NFL Draft preview of draft prospects that could interest the Dallas Cowboys. Today we are looking at defensive lineman Darius Alexander out of Toledo.
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 305-lbs
Arm Length: 34”
Hand Size: 10”
Strengths:
+ Twitched up interior rusher with position flexibility
+ Active hands allow for quick and easy pass rush wins
+ Showed good feel for winning off the edge, out of position at the Senior Bowl
+ Quick first step allows him to win early in reps with pure quickness
+ Possesses excellent length at the position as a pass rusher and run defender
+ Converts speed-to-power well paired with his length to win down the middle of lineman’s chest often
+ Athletic profile really shines a light on the ceiling he’s capable of
+ Possesses exceptional power to be an impact run defender and high-floor pass rusher at three-tech
Weaknesses:
– Small school player that did not have eye-popping production
– Plays with some stiffness in his lower-half that limited finishing ability in the backfield
– Will need to work on his rush tempo to play with better body control and balance
– Gives up his chest a bit due to his chaotic rush style
– Dominant tape did not come with the dominant statistical production you’d like to see for borderline first-round defensive linemen
Round Grade:
2nd
Overall Summary:
Darius Alexander saw a quick rise up draft boards after showing out at the Senior Bowl. The funny thing is everything he showed in Mobile, he showed on tape consistently at Toledo. Alexander is a every down player at the 3-technique that flashes a consistent pass rush plan and arsenal to win in a variety of ways as a rusher and run defender. The Cowboys need defensive line help behind Osa Odighizuwa and to compete for a starting reps at 1-technique with Mazi Smith. Alexander’s position versatility and traits fit well with what Matt Eberflus likes in his defensive tackles. It is unlikely, but if Alexander falls to the 44th overall pick, there is an excellent chance he would be the best player available at that time.
RAS Score:
9.16
Connor Livesay
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