ORLANDO — Giants defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence is a Pro Bowler once again.

And he has a message for "best friend" Christian Wilkins of the Dolphins, who is not here.

"I'm whooping his (butt) right now," the affable Lawrence said before a Pro Bowl Games practice on Friday at Camping World Stadium. "I have two and he has zero."

Lawrence and Wilkins were teammates at Clemson.

Wilkins was the 13th overall pick of the 2019 NFL draft. And Lawrence was selected four picks later. Their teammate, Clelin Ferrell, was taken fourth by the Raiders.

"I think it speaks for itself," Lawrence said of Clemson as "Defensive Line University."' "Guys that keep producing in the league. I'm gonna try to keep it going."

Before last season, Lawrence signed a four-year, $87.5 million contract with the New York Giants, including $60 million guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $21.875 million.

Lawrence is the fifth-highest-paid defensive tackle in the NFL in average salary, behind Aaron Donald, Quinnen Williams, Jeffrey Simmons and Daron Payne.

Wilkins may be a free agent in March. Or the Dolphins could franchise tag him.

What advice would Lawrence give his friend about securing the bag?

"You know, sometimes you gotta control what you can control, man," Lawrence said. "It's gonna come for him. He did his thing this year and I'm proud of him. That's my dawg."

Ironically, Lawrence's contract could cause a comp problem for the Dolphins, who have been unable to secure a long-term contract with Wilkins, despite trying.

According to Spotrac, Wilkins' market value is four years, $81 million, an average annual salary of $20.25 million.

Would Wilkins take a contract below Lawrence's?

Lawrence is a dominant run-stopper. But Wilkins is also dominant against the run. And he may be a more explosive pass rusher.

"He beats me in that category," Lawrence said. "But overall, I think I've got him."

Wilkins has 20.5 career sacks in five seasons, including a career-high nine in 2023.

Lawrence has 21 sacks in five seasons.

It could be argued that Wilkins was a Pro Bowl snub in 2024. He certainly has a Pro Bowl future.

"This is gonna' get him going," Lawrence said as a parting message. "Tell him, 'stop letting Dexter beat your (butt) in Pro Bowl wins.' That will get him going."

Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and Twitter @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Christian Wilkins contract: Dexter Lawrence says big deal 'gonna come for him'