The New York Giants could have sights set on Oregon edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux if he is available with the No. 5 overall pick in the NFL Draft
In recent weeks, there has been speculation that Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux believes the New York Giants will select him in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Over the past few weeks, there have also been several mock drafts that have also helped increase speculation.
With this year’s draft class being as talented as it is, there is a real chance that Thibodeaux could fall to the Giants at the fifth overall spot. If that were the case, the Giants would have no choice but to select the star pass-rusher.
Heading into this past season, Thibodeaux was seen as the best player in this class. Due to the emergence of Michigan’s Aiden Hutchinson, many people have pushed Thibodeaux down on their draft board.
Even with that being said, he is an elite prospect. He could prove to be the best option for the Giants if he is still available at pick number five.
Here are 3 reasons why drafting Thibodeaux is the New York Giants’ best case scenario
Day One Starter
Thibodeaux has an elite blend of size and speed that will allow for him to make an impact from day one in the NFL. He comes in at 6-5 and 258 pounds but plays much faster than nearly anyone else at that size.
His speed is what has made him so effective throughout his career. During his time at Oregon, Thibodeaux recorded 126 tackles, 35.5 tackles for loss, and 19 sacks over 30 career games.
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While he will be going against tougher opposing lineman in the NFL, his skill-set should translate in a big way. The areas that he excelled at in college should be the same areas where he is able to shine at the professional level.
Thibodeaux’s ability to impact both the run and pass game also helps his ability to be a high-level player from day one.
While at Oregon, Thibodeaux was known as more of a pass-rusher but often showed elite traits in run defense as well. He is able to get into the backfield with ease, and can end a play before it ever gets the opportunity to develop.
Fit on defense
The New York Giants recently hired former Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Don Martindale to become their new DC. Looking at how Martindale ran his defense while in Baltimore, there is no reason to believe that Thibodeaux wouldn’t excel in this scheme.
Martindale has spent years mastering a defense that is built off of blitz and pressure.
Due to this, many defenders are often put in one-on-one battles against whoever they are lined up against. Elite rushers are able to excel in this sort of defense.
Looking at how Martindale has utilized rookies in the past is also a good sign of how this could be a good fit. Just this past season, Ravens first-round pick Odafe Oweh played a big role in the success of their defense. He was used heavily in all areas of the defense and finished his first year with 5 sacks, 49 pressures, and 30 tackles.
Thibodeaux could be utilized in a similar way to how Oweh was during his rookie year. He is talented enough to drop back into coverage, which is something that Martindale expects from his edge rushers. During his time at Oregon, Thibodeaux defended seven passes and was able to keep up with opposing receivers.
A young defensive front
By adding Thibodeaux, the New York Giants can solidify an edge duo of the future. 2021 second-round pick Azeez Ojulari has already earned his spot on this defense after a rookie year that saw him lead the team in sacks.
Most teams that are in a position to win a Super Bowl have already secured their own dominant pairing of edge rushers. Whether it be Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard, Aaron Donald and Leonard Floyd, or any other talented duo, the impact that they can have on a defense is undeniable.
Having a pairing of this caliber would also open the doors for the rest of the defense. The Giants still have an elite defender in Leonard Williams, who is just 27 years old. While his 2021 season didn’t go as planned, Williams still has the ability to be a player that can perform at a high level on a consistent basis. Even in a “down” year, he recorded 6.5 sacks and 81 total tackles.
Former first-round pick Dexter Lawrence would also benefit from this in a big way. Lawrence has played all over the defensive line but could be cemented fully into the defensive tackle spot with the addition of Thibodeaux. He has struggled with handling tackles at times, but could be a force on the inside of the line, especially when playing alongside the other players on this defensive line.