GMEN HQ
FanSided

NY Giants rookies: Which first-year players will start Week 1?

By Danny Friedman

Georgia outside linebacker Azeez Ojulari (13) and Georgia defensive back Tyrique Stevenson (7) celebrate after making a stop during the second half of the Peach Bowl NCAA between Georgia and Cincinnati at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta., on Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. Georgia won 24-21. (Photo/Joshua L. Jones, Athens Banner-Herald)News Joshua L Jones
Georgia outside linebacker Azeez Ojulari (13) and Georgia defensive back Tyrique Stevenson (7) celebrate after making a stop during the second half of the Peach Bowl NCAA between Georgia and Cincinnati at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta., on Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. Georgia won 24-21. (Photo/Joshua L. Jones, Athens Banner-Herald)News Joshua L Jones /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
Azeez Ojulari, NY Giants
Jan 1, 2021; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Azeez Ojulari (13) sacks Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Desmond Ridder (9) for a safety on the games final play during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

2nd Round Pick: Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, Georgia

Chances of Starting Week 1: 55%

Azeez Ojulari should start Week 1.

Ojulari may be the only rookie in 2021 that could fit that mold this season.

The year-one pass rusher has raw athletic gifts combined with pass-rushing tools that can give offensive tackles fits off the edge. Ojulari will see a mountain of competition despite it being an unproven and uncertain EDGE group.

The potential is there for this unit to round into a formidable group. Ojulari’s experience in the SEC and success at the NCAA’s highest level bodes well for his NFL future.

If healthy, Lorenzo Carter should return to his starting spot on one side of the defense. Across Zo Carter will be an open competition between Ojulari and multiple NFL veterans. It will be fun to watch Ojulari go up against Andrew Thomas (his ex-roommate at Georgia) and see them go 1 on 1.

With a strong camp, Ojulari could start Week 1. For now, we’ll give him a slight edge over the rest of the field as the Giants look to improve on their sack numbers from 2020.

Home/NY Giants News