New York Giants: The 6 Biggest Winners from Free Agency Spending Spree
By Mike Luca
5. Owamagbe Odighizuwa, DE
Though defensive line prevails as a continued target on the Giants draft board, particularly fitting Odighizuwa’s build and athleticism, O-Dig is a cherished project as a third-round reserve. With Vernon presumably stabilizing the primary pass-rushing side at right DE, there’s less pressure on O-Dig to prove his worth.
"“He is a specimen. He can set the edge. He plays hard from snap to whistle. Odighizuwa has had some injuries in his past, which might be why he’s slid in this draft.” — Daniel Jeremiah"
From NFL Draft Analyst Daniel Jeremiah:
"“Odighizuwa has some scheme versatility, but he’s not necessarily a versatile player. Some scouts believe that he could open some eyes with his straight-line speed in his workout, but his marginal pass-rush skills and average athleticism could stunt his draft stock.”"
Odighizuwa was a USA Today High School All-American, a five-star recruit by Rivals.com, and was rated as the 2nd best weakside defensive end prospect of his class, drawing comparisons to Osi Umenyiora. Owa was also second-team All-Pac-12 in 2014. Jeremiah compared Odig to Sam Acho, an outside linebacker drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in 2011, while others more closely associated with the Giants drew the likeness to former Giants DE Justin Tuck. Both were drafted in the third round as the 74th overall pick in the draft after falling due to injury concerns, and because it was believed that Odighizuwa, like Tuck, could shift inside on passing downs as part of a 4 DE pass rush.
More significantly, the rehabilitating JPP still isn’t a sure thing. Opportunities are definitely there for the similarly freak prospect out of UCLA to leap frog by midseason if Pierre-Paul can’t get a grip.
Next: GEREMY, THE HIDDEN GEM?