The New York Giants will have the opportunity to add some blue chip talent to the roster, with a pair of selections in the top-10 picks of the 2022 NFL Draft
The New York Giants have found themselves in a position where they will be able to select two of the top prospects in this year’s class.
While the Giants could choose to address an array of issues with their two top-10 selections, there is a good chance that at least one of their picks goes towards the defensive side of the ball.
If the New York Giants do go defense in their first round, there is a short-list of prospects that they should look at adding. Whoever they choose will need to make a big impact from day-one. And whichever player they choose will be expected to play a big role in both the short and long-term of this team.
Here are five defensive NFL Draft prospects the New York Giants should have on their big board
Oregon Edge, Kayvon Thibodeaux
Heading into the 2021 college season, Oregon edge rusher Kayvon Thibedeoax was seen as the consensus best defensive player by much of the country.
After a somewhat lackluster season compared to what he had done in his previous seasons, and the emergence of Michigan edge Aiden Hutchinson, Thibodeuax has fallen down some draft boards. But he should be directly atop the Giants board for multiple reasons.
Over his three seasons at Oregon, Thibodeaux recorded 126 total tackles, 35.5 tackles for loss, and 19 sacks. He did all this while playing in just 30 career games.
Thibodeaux has found his success by utilizing his blend of power and speed. At 6-5 and 258 pounds, he has the size and flexibility to get around even the best tackles.
Kayvon Thibodeaux with the MONSTER strip sack 🔥
— PFF College (@PFF_College) September 4, 2021
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The addition of Thibodeaux would be an immediate upgrade for this New York Giants defense. He should perform at a high level from day one. He has already proven that he can be effective in both the run and pass game.
He has the potential to be one of the best edge rushers in the NFL given proper development. Pairing him alongside Dexter Lawrence, Leonard Williams, and Azeez Ojulari could make for an intriguing mix of talent alongside the defensive line.