The New York Giants will enter the 2020 season relying on their defense to create pressure collectively. It’s a style that has worked well for the New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens, but there is a concern that the Giants simply don’t have enough talented depth to find the same success.
In addition to linebacker Lorenzo Carter, one player who could step up and help fill that void is second-year edge rusher Oshane Ximines, who finished the 2019 season with 4.5 sacks and nine quarterback hits on just 503 defensive snaps.
Ximines certainly flashed some potential as a rookie and in order to refine his game, could find himself working with Giants legend Osi Umenyiora.
On Wednesday, Ximines tweeted that he would love to learn from Umenyiora, which prompted Osi’s immediate response.
Sending you a DM now. Let’s get it
— THE UPRISE (@OsiUmenyiora) July 15, 2020
Umenyiora was one of the quickest edge rushers off the ball during his playing days, and was equally as gifted against the run as he was at rushing the passer.
At the time of his retirement following the 2014 season, Umenyiora has recorded 85 career sacks, 75 of which came with the Giants. He also recorded 106 career quarterback hits for good measure.
Given Ximines’ speed and athleticism, it would serve him well to learn from and train with Osi. And if he can become even a sliver of what Umenyiora was, it would mean nothing but good things for the Giants.
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