Ted Karras says Dexter Lawrence is “probably the best nose tackle in the last 30 years”

[ASFN Admin]

You must be registered for see images attach

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 13: Dexter Lawrence II #97 of the New York Giants and the defensive line lines up against Ted Karras #64 of the Cincinnati Bengals and the offensive line during an NFL game at MetLife Stadium on October 13, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images) | Getty Images

A lot of fans of the Cincinnati Bengals might not quite know the value of adding Dexter Lawrence.

He is, after all, technically a nose tackle, and not an edge rusher who gets double digit sacks every year.

But guys who’ve played against him completely understand his value.

One of those guys is new teammate Ted Karras, who said Lawrence is “probably the best nose tackle in the last 30 years”. He also made it very clear that he was relieved Lawrence didn’t end up being traded to a division rival like the Cleveland Browns.

The Bengals’ center then compared Lawrence to William “Refrigerator” Perry and joked that the Bengals “should give [Lawrence] the ball a little too,” as Perry famously got goal line carries.

Ted Karras on Dexter Lawrence “Probably best nose tackle in last 30 years… combination of size, speed and agility… another big guy from Clemson, reminds you of Refrigerator Perry. Maybe we should give him the ball a little bit too.” pic.twitter.com/vPczBetAMh

— Mike Petraglia (@Trags) April 20, 2026

Karras gave reporters an idea of what it’s like to face Lawrence.

“He’s one of those guys that’s so big and strong and fast that you can feel your arms collapse into you,” Karras said. “He’s a big scary player.”

The veteran center is high on his team’s defensive line after the addition of Lawrence. “We’ve revamped our defensive line,” Karras said. “It’s probably going to be a lot of five down fronts here. We got a big, scary d-line, and it’s really exciting.”

Continue reading...