NY Giants Mock Draft: Joe Schoen trades for another first-rounder to land star QB
By Doug Rush
NY Giants sixth-round pick: Clemson EDGE Xavier Thomas
The Giants got a tremendous season out of Kayvon Thibodeaux, as he recorded 11.5 sacks in his second year with the Giants. With that said, he also needs help considering the amount of attention he draws.
Dexter Lawrence is a force up the middle, but the pass-rush needs some more young talent to help out. Late in the NFL Draft, Clemson edge-rusher Xavier Thomas would be a fantastic addition for the defense.
Xavier Thomas! One of my all time Clemson favorites. He is the definition of “Never give up”. Hope he goes on to have an amazing NFL career. Always a fan! Go Tigers! pic.twitter.com/CFFnSADBnj
— Clemson Tiger Blake (@Clemson_Blake_) December 30, 2023
Because of the injury history to Azeez Ojulari, it is hard to rely on him moving forward, so Schoen drafts a viable replacement if he decides to trade or cut Ojulari in the offseason.
Thomas is seen as a quick pass-rusher with natural ability and he has a great first step to blow by linemen. He’s a 6-2, 245-pound senior who runs a 4.45 40-yard dash. Plus, he’s seen as a player with a strong motor that doesn’t stop until the play is over, which is what the clip above shows. For his college career at Clemson, Thomas recorded 18 sacks in five seasons, including three in his senior year. Thomas had 4.5 sacks during the 2021 season.
Players who continue to fight and never give up is something the Giants absolutely need on the defensive side of the ball and someone like Thomas is a good player to have on the edge along with Thibodeaux.
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