NASCAR’s Chase Elliott and Bubba Wallace better be ready to race on some more road courses – they’re going to be making a lot more right turns.
Prior to the NFL Draft, NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah quipped that we would ‘see a right turn in a NASCAR race before we see Dave Gettleman trade back’. Almost in spite of the analyst’s comments, the NY Giants’ GM traded back not once – but twice.
Once again, the Giants made out like bandits – gaining the Miami Dolphins’ 2022 third round pick to move back eight spots. With next year’s draft picks being treated like gold, the Giants now possess double firsts, thirds and fourths.
Gettleman gained a nickname as well, as ‘Trader Dave’ is becoming a phenomenon in the team’s draft room. Miraculously, even after moving back eight spots, the Giants were still able to draft their original target – Georgia’s defensive end, Azeez Ojulari.
The pass rusher being available at the 50th selection was a revelation. Some experts even pegged Ojulari as the draft’s premier pass rusher – many believing the Giants would select him in round one.
Here’s a breakdown of the good, and the bad of the NY Giants drafting of Azeez Ojulari, as well as a grade for the move:
The good:
You couldn’t have scripted a better second round for the NY Giants.
The NY Giants took a chance by passing on the option to select Ojulari 42nd overall, opting to play the waiting game to gain a draft pick instead. Luckily, it paid off handsomely – as they gained valuable capital in addition to the player they wanted all along.
Ojulari jumped off the screen at Georgia – flashing his pass rushing ability throughout his college career. He shined when the lights were the brightest – dominating the 2021 Peach Bowl and powering the Bulldogs to victory with 3 sacks.
Ojulari‘s ridiculous athleticism had scouts raving, his ‘super-hero’ like physique and ability to plow through lineman like a ‘battering ram’ impressing them. One thing Patrick Graham will love about Ojulari is his complete game – he can get to the quarterback while stopping the run as well.
The Giants have been fond of guys with high character – it’s something Joe Judge has preached since taking the job. Ojulari was the first freshman captain ever in the Kirby Smart era at Georgia – a program the Giants obviously hold in high regard.
The Giants entered the draft with questions at the edge rusher position – Ojulari provides answers. By drafting him to join Lorenzo Carter and Oshane Ximines, the team now has three young pass rushers bursting with potential.
In Graham’s hands, the sky’s the limit.