Why the NY Giants pass rush might be better than experts are predicting

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 29: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Leonard Williams #99 of the New York Giants in action against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium on December 29, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Eagles defeated the Giants 34-17. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 29: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Leonard Williams #99 of the New York Giants in action against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium on December 29, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Eagles defeated the Giants 34-17. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
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Oshane Ximinesof the NY Giants (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

5. Oshane Ximines

The NY Giants received a third-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft from the Cleveland Browns as part of the trade for wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. They would use that pick to select Oshane Ximines out of Old Dominion.

Many predicted that Ximines would not receive much impactful playing time in 2019, as he was seen by some as a raw developmental pass-rushing project coming out of a smaller school in Old Dominion.

However, Ximines would be a pleasant surprise in 2019, as he would play 503 defensive snaps for the Giants, recording 25 total tackles, 4.5 sacks, one pass deflection, and nine quarterback hits in just two games started for the GMEN.

Despite the limited playing time, Ximines certainly showed flashes of a talented young pass rusher in the NFL. His most productive game came in a Week 13 matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles where he recorded two tackles, two sacks, two tackles for a loss, and two quarterback hits in just 28 defensive snaps played.

With his rookie year behind him, Ximines should be more acclimated to the NFL game coming into the 2020 season. The 23-year-old certainly has the athleticism and talent to make a major impact in the pass rush for the NY Giants next season as he likely sees an increase in playing time.

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