NY Giants mock draft 2021: Texas’ Joseph Ossai bolsters pass rush?
The NY Giants choose Texas linebacker Joseph Ossai to bolster developing pass rush in latest 2021 mock draft
The NY Giants’ ability to generate steady pressure on the quarterback with defensive linemen Leonard Williams and Dalvin Tomlinson have fueled a second-half surge, but help for the pass rush could be on the way in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Texas linebacker Joseph Ossai might be an ideal scheme fit for Patrick Graham’s defense, be able to fill a need at edge rusher, and is the NY Giants’ selection in CBS Sports’ Ryan Wilson’s latest 2021 NFL mock draft:
"No. 19: NY Giants: The Giants need help along the offensive line but they also need to be able to pressure the QB, something they’ve struggled with this season. Ossai is having a fantastic 2020 campaign and his high motor and tenacity make him a legit first-round talent."
Ossai, 6-foot-4 and 235 pounds is one of the most disruptive edge players in this year’s class.
Through the Longhorns’ first nine games, Ossai has already produced five sacks, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, two pass breakups, and has 54 total tackles.
Pro Football Focus lists Ossai as the best player on Texas’ roster, noting that his 27 total pressures rank No. 2 in the Big 12 and give the junior an 88.7 run-defense grade and 80.2 pass mark grade.
Versatility to stand up or put his hand on the turf, Ossai has plenty of burst and acceleration, particularly when playing linebacker.
It isn’t difficult to envision Ossai immediately jumping to the front of the playing time line in a young Giants defense that features recent draft picks Lorenzo Carter, Oshane Ximines, Cam Brown, and Tae Crowder as emerging pass rushers.
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Matt Lombardo is the site expert for GMenHQ, and writes Between The Hash Marks each Wednesday for FanSided. Follow Matt on Twitter: @MattLombardoNFL.