A little over a year ago, when the New York Giants drafted edge rusher Azeez Ojulari, many believed they may have gotten a steal in the Georgia product.
As it turned out, Ojulari had a very impressive rookie season, resulting in breaking the Giants franchise rookie sack record (8.0).
The Giants went out in the 2022 drafted and selected Oregon edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux fifth overall with the first of their two top-seven picks.
Earlier this week, Ojulari mentioned he believes that Thibodeaux’s presence will make him better. With Ojulari and Thibodeaux getting selected by the Giants in consecutive drafts, the two young defensive linemen have developed a healthy competition to be better than one another.
“Definitely. I told him yesterday in the meeting like everything he does I want to do it better. Whether it’s eating, sleeping, or breathing, I’m going to try to do it better. So, just continuing to set a standard and continuing to chase and create that competitive banter,” Thibodeaux told reporters on Friday.
Thibodeaux was also asked about his teammates sack count last year when he obtained the franchise’s rookie sack record to which he mentioned he sees as a “reasonable goal” for himself. And when asked if he would want the record, Thibodeaux replied, “I mean, I wouldn’t not want it so.”
Thibodeaux is someone who expects a lot out of himself. He has a tattoo that reads “the chosen one” and the Oregon product is certainly out to make a name for himself in the NFL.
Back in 2019, Thibodeaux earned Freshman All-American honors and was named the Pac-12 Freshman Defensive Player of the Year behind his team leading 9.0 sacks on the team.
As for Ojulari, after his impressive rookie season, he may be poised for an even better year. With the surrounding talent on the defensive line between Thibodeaux, Dexter Lawrence and Leonard Williams, Ojulari may be able to thrive with the attention on the bigger names.
Azeez Ojulari another 2nd-yr guy I’m super high on. One #Giants’ source told me: “Azeez can be a Pro Bowl caliber player for the next decade. Technically, he’s more sound already. Mentally, he’s sharp. Physically, there’s no answer for him. He’s much stronger.” (10+ lbs muscle.)
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 19, 2022
The friendly competition between Thibodeaux and Ojalari seems to be something that may bring out the best in each of them. And with the defensive line being one of the strengths for Big Blue, the Giants defensive unit may surprise.
[lawrence-related id=695780,695787,695764]
[vertical-gallery id=663678]