Edge rusher is a top priority for the NY Giants as they prepare for the 2022 NFL Draft, and Kayvon Thibodeaux might be a top target. Heading into the 2021 season, the Oregon edge rusher was all but locked in as the number one pick in the NFL draft.
Thibodeaux was seen as one of the best edge threats that college football has seen in recent history and was widely regarded as a “can’t miss prospect”. After a final season at Oregon that left many people feeling underwhelmed, and an off-season filled with him slowly falling down draft boards, many people around the NFL are questioning just how good Thibodeaux can be at the next level.
Regardless of how people may feel about Thibodeaux off the field, it can’t be denied how good he has been when he is actually playing football. He is one of the best rushers that the Pac-12 has ever seen and has proven himself on more than one occasion.
Thibodeaux has the sort of personality that is seemingly made for New York. He has been a star on the field and has clearly set out to be one-off of the field as well. There’s no better place to make that happen than in New York. Playing for an organization like the New York Giants will allow Thibodeaux to explore all of the off-field endeavors that he chooses.
With one of their top-seven picks, the Giants could be looking to address the edge position. Thibodeaux could be the perfect piece to solidify the spot for the foreseeable future. Here are three reasons the Giants should take Thibodeaux in this year’s NFL draft.
NY Giants Draft Target: Kayvon Thibodeaux is an elite edge talent
Thibodeaux is arguably the best edge rusher in this year’s draft class. He has the prototypical build that teams look for when addressing the position. At 6-4 and 254 pounds, he has the size needed for the modern edge spot.
Thibodeaux typically wins off of skill and can beat nearly anyone in his path. His unique blend of speed and power is what separates him from the draft’s other top prospects. His 4.58 40-yard dash only helps push the narrative.
The speed he brings to the game is only highlighted further by both his elite first step and bend around the edge. Between these two skills, he can beat his blockers before they are in a position to stop him.
The absolute floor for Kayvon Thibodeaux should be No. 5 to the Giants. pic.twitter.com/sht1upgywM
— Austin Gayle (@austingayle_) March 22, 2022
On the rare occasion that he is stopped on his initial rush, he can still win after the fact by using his explosiveness. During his time at Oregon, Thibodeaux stuffed the stat sheet. He totaled 126 tackles, 35.5 tackles for loss, and 22 sacks. He was highly efficient, even when teams were doing everything they could to stop him.
NY Giants Draft Target: Kayvon Thibodeaux is a proven pass rusher
Thibodeaux has made a name for himself through his elite pash-rushing ability. The skill-set that he brings to the table is rare and highly sought after. In his three years at Oregon, he showed time and time again how special he could be in this area of the game.
Thibodeaux played in a total of 1,514 defensive snaps for Oregon, with 812 of them coming on passing plays. In terms of creating pressure on opposing offenses, Thibodeaux was a menace. He recorded 115 career pressures, while never having less than 34 in a season.
When breaking down how his pressures were generated, they came in a plethora of different ways. He created 73 quarterback hurries, 20 quarterback hits, and a total of 22 sacks.
Kayvon Thibodeaux rushing the passer vs Cal:
— PFF (@PFF) October 16, 2021
🤯 11 QB pressures on 22 pass-rush snaps
🤯 50% pressure percentage
PFF’s No. 1 2022 Draft Prospect 👀 pic.twitter.com/ykeGKFJBim
Over his three seasons, his pass rush steadily improved. In a final collegiate season that many considered a “down” year, Thibodeaux reached career-highs in his pass-rushing. He finished with a pass-rush grade of 91.5 according to PFF. This was the highest mark of his career.
NY Giants Draft Target: Kayvon Thibodeaux fills a long-term need for NY Giants
The addition of Thibodeaux would give the Giants something that they have been looking for for a long time. An elite-edge talent that can help lead their defense for the foreseeable future.
Thibodeaux can come in from day one and be effective and will be an instant upgrade over what the Giants defense had last season. The addition will also give the Giants one of the league’s best young edge duos by pairing Thibodeaux with second-year defender Azeez Ojulari.
Ojulari exploded onto the scene last season, shocking many by racking up 51 total tackles, 10 sacks, and 42 total pressures. With another off-season under his belt, Ojulari could be even better next season. Adding a player of Thibodeaux’s caliber could help him take his game to a new level.
By creating this duo, the Giants will solidify their edge position for years to come. Locking down these spots will allow for the rest of the defense to do their jobs in a way that they haven’t in the past. These two players will constantly deliver pressure and disrupt opposing offenses.
Given that Thibodeaux is on the board when the Giants pick at either spots five or seven, he should be the pick. He will step in from day one and be a force to be reckoned with. Given time, he could develop into one of the best edge defenders in the entire NFL.