Where Will The Giants Get Their Pass Rush?
By Eric Mollo
Nov 3, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) is tackled by New York Giants linebacker Devon Kennard (59) and linebacker Jacquian Williams (57) during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
3. Devon Kennard
Kennard showed flashes of pass rush potential when he put up 4.5 in last year’s rookie campaign. He’s not the best athlete on the field, but he’s got a good motor and is aggressive. Back in college, he posted a career-high in sacks his final season when he switched to linebacker in USC’s 3-4 scheme.
Of course, the Giants run a 4-3 and will expect Kennard to defend the pass, but he’s running as the first team strong-side linebacker at camp–and that may be telling. Remember: this is the same position the Giants moved Mathias Kiwanuka to when they tried him at outside ‘backer. Was Kiwi successful in that role? Well, no, not particularly, but they moved Kiwanuka there thinking he’d be able to not only defend the pass but help the pass rush, and I do think the Giants believe Kennard, like Kiwi, will be able to help the pass rush on the strong-side as well.
Next: Robert Ayers