Predicting the starting defense for the NY Giants next season
Outside Linebackers: Azeez Ojulari, Kayvon Thibodeaux
This is the most exciting part of the defense to look at. Last season, the NY Giants pass rush was abysmal: ranking 22nd in sacks, 27th in QB knockdowns, and 24th in QB hurries. This was mostly due to the Giants primary edge-rushers being Lorenzo Carter, Oshane Ximines and Quincy Roche. There was a bright spot, though, in second-round pick Azeez Ojulari, who broke the *official NY Giants rookie sack record with eight.
Ojulari showed a ton of promise during his rookie season as a speed rusher off the edge. However, it seems as if he is looking to have a more complete game, as he has reportedly added 10 pounds of muscle to his frame. Although it looks like much more than that.
Azeez Ojulari says he added about 10 pounds of muscle this offseason. At 255 pounds. Played at around 246 last year. pic.twitter.com/DSd38UWb9d
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) May 19, 2022
Opposite to Ojulari will be No. 5 overall pick Kayvon Thibodeaux, who at one point was considered to be the best player in the draft class. The Giants realized how poor their pass-rush was and addressed it properly. With this, they’ve added a player with massive amounts of potential to put next to an already promising edge-rusher in Ojulari.
If Ojulari plays at the same level or better than last year, and Thibodeaux plays up to his expectations, it’s looking like the Giants could have one of the best pass-rushing duos in the game. This will surely be something to watch.