NFL Draft 2022: New York Giants’ top Day 2 targets
By David Solow
Arnold Ebiketie- Penn State, Edge
Why would he be a good value for the Giants at #37?
Luckily for the New York Giants, edge is arguably the strongest position group in this year’s draft. As a result, some first-round caliber edge prospects will likely fall to day 2 and should be available for New York at #36 overall.
Arnold Ebiketie is one possibility in this regard.
Ebikete had the third highest pass-rush win-rate in the Big 10 conference in 2021 (behind Aidan Hutchinson and George Karalaftis).
After transferring from Temple, the productive Ebiketie had 9.5 sacks and 18 tackles for loss in his first year of Power 5 football for Penn State. Not only does Ebiketie have production going for him, but his length, notable athleticism, and raw tools mean that he has impressive upside.
How would be fit with the NY Giants?
Wink Martindale could use Ebiketie the same way he used another rookie outside linebacker from Penn State, Odafe Oweh.
Oweh didn’t start for Martindale’s Ravens defense in 2021, but his impact was significant with 5 sacks as a rookie.
Ebiketie is not the super athlete that Oweh was (Oweh ran a ridiculous 4.37 40 yard dash during the 2021 combine), but Ebiketie’s quick first step and fluid movement skills would make him a pass rush weapon for Big Blue right away.
Ebiketie would play on every obvious passing down, and could eventually play himself into a starting position as a rookie.
NFL Combine Stats: Stock Up or Stock Down?
HEIGHT: 6′ 2″
WEIGHT: 250 lbs
ARMS: 34 1/8″
HANDS: 10 1/4″
Bench Press: 21
Vertical Jump: 38
Broad Jump: 128
Stock up- Ebiketie decided not to participate in the 40 yard dash. His vertical leap does demonstrate his explosiveness though, and his arm length is ideal for an edge defender.
New York Giants Player Comparison: Azeez Ojulari
Like Ojulari, Ebiketie was productive against top college competition and combines an impressive repertoire of pass rush moves with above-average athleticism. Another similarity to Ojulari is that Ebiketie’s is a bit on the shorter side, but has way above average length (82.5 inch wingspan) to compensate.