NY Giants get passing grade for drafting of Kayvon Thibodeaux
By Reese Nasser
With the fifth overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the NY Giants drafted Oregon edge defender Kayvon Thibodeaux. The addition of Thibodeaux immediately addresses one of the Giant’s biggest roster needs. The team has been on the hunt for an elite pass-rusher for some time now and finally got one that is ready to make a name for himself in the NFL.
Thibodeaux can step in from day one and help solve that problem immediately. A young pairing of Thibodeaux and Azeez Ojulari could also quickly become one of the best edge duos in the entire league. Alongside veteran defender Leonard Williams, the Giant’s defensive front could be a force this season.
Speaking of which, Thibodeaux was a force to be reckoned with while at Oregon. The former No. 1 high school recruit generated 73 pressures, 115 total tackles, and 22 sacks over his three seasons at Oregon. From a traits perspective, Thibodeaux has everything that a team looks for in the modern edge rusher. He has a rare blend of size and speed that allows him to blow past opposing blockers with ease and precision.
The NY Giants get it right by drafting Kayvon Thibodeaux in 2022 NFL Draft
Heading into the upcoming football season, many believed that Thibodeaux was the clear favorite to be the No. 1 overall pick. For whatever reason, he slipped to pick No. 5, leading to the Giants getting arguably the draft’s best edge rusher without having to move up at all.
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Thibodeaux has thrived in the pass-rushing game. In 2021, he earned a PFF grade of 91.5. Heading into next season, his main objective will be to get to the quarterback and bring the heat on every down he’s a part of. He has the exact skill set to do just that and much more.