Jerry Reese and the New York Giants have turned their attention to the defensive line by selecting Avery Moss in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
The New York Giants have made a concerted effort to improve the depth along the defensive line. In response to the departure of standout defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins, the Giants utilized a second-round draft pick on interior lineman Dalvin Thompson.
Three rounds after the Giants invested in the former Alabama Crimson Tide star, general manager Jerry Reese turned his attention to an end from a less heralded program.
With the 167th overall selection in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Giants have selected defensive end Avery Moss.
With the 167th pick, the #NYGiants select Youngstown State DE Avery Moss! #GiantsDraft pic.twitter.com/7oXicA6RmP
— New York Giants (@Giants) April 29, 2017
Moss was a star defensive end for the Youngstown State Penguins.
Moss is a 6’3″ and 264-pound lineman with explosive athleticism and long arms. He disengages quickly from blocks and isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty when either rushing the passer or meeting a running back at the point of attack.
After being dismissed by the Nebraska Cornhuskers in 2014, Moss was given a second chance under head coach Bo Pelini at Youngstown State.
On the field, Moss made the most of the opportunity by recording 59 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles in 2016.
The Giants have a pair of star-caliber defensive ends in Jason Pierre-Paul and Olivier Vernon. Both Pierre-Paul and Vernon ranked amongst the league leaders in snaps played by a defensive lineman during the 2016 season.
By adding Moss to the rotation of linemen, however, the Giants have created depth with another athletic body who can apply pressure to opposing quarterbacks.
Moss will also provide a measure of insurance for a Giants team that knows how devastating injuries can be. Pierre-Paul missed four games during the 2016 season, which forced New York to turn to a rotation of players in his place.
If Moss reaches his ceiling, he could provide tremendous support to Pierre-Paul and Vernon, and potentially start in the NFL.
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Welcome to the New York Giants, Avery Moss. You’re joining an elite defense.