PFF extremely bullish on NY Giants rookie Azeez Ojulari
Expectations are high for NY Giants second-round pick Azeez Ojulari, perhaps as an anchor of the defense’s pass rush in 2021
Azeez Ojulari was hailed by talent evaluators and league executives as a ‘steal’ of the NFL Draft class when the NY Giants chose him in the second-round this spring, and expectations are high for the Georgia alum.
Ojulari has a major opportunity, amid an NY Giants’ pass-rush that lacks a proven dominant edge presence, and question marks surrounding Lorenzo Carter and Oshane Ximines coming off significant injuries suffered last season.
Ahead of his rookie campaign, Pro Football Focus is extremely bullish on Ojulari making a significant impact on the NY Giants’ defense:
"[Prediction:] AZEEZ OJULARI IS THE ONLY ROOKIE EDGE DEFENDER WITH A 70.0-PLUS PASS-RUSH GRADEThis rookie edge class is full of raw players who ooze potential because of their physical tools. Yet, many who were taken early on in the 2021 NFL Draft will take some time to get acclimated.Ojulari is decidedly different than the rest. He could make a dent for the New York Giants sooner than anyone else in his class despite not having the size or power of some of the Day 1 prospects. He is an advanced pass-rusher who put up monster production numbers in the SEC; his timing and pass-rush plan paired with his speed, length and cornering ability make him a force to be reckoned with. The Georgia product earned a 91.7 pass-rush grade in 2020, second among all FBS edge defenders."
Azeez Ojulari already off to a fast start at NY Giants camp, can he build on it?
Ojulari has already taken a handful of snaps with the NY Giants first-team defense during practice, and could see some time with the starters during Saturday night’s preseason opener against the Jets.
The NY Giants’ glaring need for pass-rush help is evident, despite marked improvements under new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham last season, New York produced just 40 sacks, which was 12th most in the league.
If PFF’s bold prediction for Ojulari proves prescient this season, not only will Ojulari build a strong case for NFL Defensive Rookie of The Year, but the NY Giants’ pass-rush will level-up thanks to their rookie addition.
Why Azeez Ojulari will lead the Giants in sacks. light. Must Read
Matt Lombardo is FanSided’s National NFL Insider and writes Between The Hash Marks each Wednesday. Email Matt: Matt.Lombardo@FanSided.com