It's April, which means that the New York Giants are gearing up for the 2023 NFL Draft. Looking back at last April, the G-Men did not do too shabby with their picks. The first three selections, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Evan Neal and Wan'Dale Robinson, each had pivotal roles in their rookie campaigns.
Looking forward to the 2023 season, each of these three mentioned above has a new set of expectations placed upon them going into their sophomore year. One of those expectations is to not fall into the stigma of a "sophomore slump." Here is why each of them should be able to avoid that foredrawn conclusion by season's end.
3. Pass-rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux
The hype surrounding Thibodeaux is ridiculous. Many have labeled the outside linebacker as the next coming of Lawrence Taylor, and fans won't be able to let that comparison go. At least not after his first NFL season.
Thibodeaux, the fifth overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft from Oregon, certainly got his reps in during Year 1. He started all 14 games he appeared in, which is the most for all rookies in 2022 for the team. He also contributed 49 combined tackles, 33 of those being solo. Most importantly, coming off the edge, he got to the opposing QB four times for sacks, which was good for third on this defense.
Welcome to the Kayvon Thibodeaux show
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For 2023, his importance to this defense is unmatched. Alongside Azeez Ojulari and newly-acquired linebacker Bobby Okereke, this trio has the makings of a former devastating pass-rushing core in Giants history. You know the ones, Taylor, Harry Carson, and Carl Banks.
In order to live up to the kind of reputation and legacy that is the Big Blue Wrecking Crew, Thibodeaux is going to have to shine the brightest. He cannot afford to have a slump of a season in 2023. Under defensive coordinator Wink Martindale, he has ample opportunity to be a difference maker next season - we should see a breakout year for him.