Toledo DT Darius Alexander selected by Giants in NFL Draft

GREEN BAY, Wis. — University of Toledo defensive tackle Darius Alexander was selected by the New York Giants in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft on Friday.

The Fort Wayne, Indiana, native earned second-team All-MAC honors last season, registering a career high in tackles (40) and tackles for loss (7.5). He also tallied 3.5 sacks and 4 pass breakups for the Rockets. He finished his career with 127 tackles, 22 tackles for loss and 9 sacks.

At 6-foot-4, 305 pounds, he helped himself move up on NFL teams’ draft boards after a strong showing at the Senior Bowl. Alexander was named the top defensive lineman at the annual showcase.

Since 2017, Toledo has had 11 players selected in the NFL Draft, including Alexander.

Another northwest Ohioan went not long after Alexander, as the Cleveland Browns picked Bowling Green State University tight end Harold Fannin Jr.

Defensive back Quinyon Mitchell was selected in the first round of last year’s draft by the Philadelphia Eagles and was runner-up as the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year. He became the first Rocket to be taken in the first round in 31 years.

Toledo draft picks since 2017:

• Kareem Hunt (RB) – 3rd round – Kansas City Chiefs
• Michael Roberts (TE) – 4th round – Detroit Lions
• Treyvon Hester (OG) – 7th round – Oakland Raiders

• Logan Woodside (QB) – 7th round – Cincinnati Bengals

• Diontae Johnson (WR) – 3rd round – Pittsburgh Steelers
• Ka’dar Hollman (DB) – 6th round – Green Bay Packers

• Tycen Anderson (DB) – 5th round – Cincinnati Bengals
• Samuel Womack (DB) – 5th round – San Francisco 49ers

• Desjuan Johnson (DT) – 7th round – Los Angeles Rams

• Quinyon Mitchell (DB) – 1st round – Philadelphia Eagles