Giants-Lions preseason Week 1: Offense, defense and special teams snap counts

The New York Giants won their Week 1 preseason game against the Lions. Here are the snap counts on offense, defense and special teams.

The New York Giants capped off a week of intense joint practices with a preseason-opening 14-3 victory over the Detroit Lions on Thursday night at MetLife Stadium.

It was a well-rounded performance by the Giants with a few exceptions. Special teams struggled to adjust to the new kickoff rule, while overall team discipline was lacking.

The few issues aside, it was an encouraging first step for head coach Brian Daboll and his Giants. Perhaps most notably, the team appears to have much more solid depth than they did just a year ago.

Here are the snap counts that contributed to the Giants’ Week 1 preseason victory.

Offensive snaps: 58
Defensive snaps: 70
Special teams snaps: 22

Although pregame reports were suggesting wide receivers Malik Nabers and Jalin Hyatt would be inactive, each player talked their way onto the field. They took a combined 23 snaps but saw just one total target (Hyatt).

What running back Eric Gray was able to accomplish on just 15 snaps is extremely impressive.

Defensively, safety Alex Johnson, who has impressed at times in training camp, received the bulk of the load and got the longest look with 52 snaps. Linebacker Azeez Ojulari also saw extended field time, taking 50 percent of the defensive snaps.

[lawrence-related id=730828,730770,730729]

Giants’ Brian Burns: Azeez Ojulari a ‘very gifted’ pass rusher

New York Giants LB Brian Burns has come away extremely impressed with Azeez Ojulari, calling him a “very gifted” pass rusher.

Because of the injuries that have limited him in each of the past two seasons, New York Giants edge rusher Azeez Ojulari has become somewhat of an afterthought.

The primary focus has been on the newly acquired Brian Burns, the talented but still-developing Kayvon Thibodeaux, and the dominance of Dexter Lawrence inside. But perhaps Ojulari warrants some focus once again.

Under defensive coordinator Shane Bowen, the Giants will rely heavily on their front four to generate organic pressure. Burns, Thibodeaux, and Lawrence will man three of those roles with the need for someone else to step up.

Ryder Anderson and Boogie Basham are names that have been thrown around but after playing alongside him for a few months, Burns has come away impressed with Ojulari specifically.

“He’s a great pass rusher. He’s very natural. He has natural ability. It comes very, very natural to him,” Burns told reporters on Sunday. “I think he’s very gifted. Just his build alone, he has extremely long arms and natural leverage, so that makes him a premium pass rusher as far as his build. He’s been doing great so far. I expect big things from him this year.”

When healthy, Ojulari has produced. He set the Giants’ all-time rookie sack record with 8.0 in 2021 and was widely considered a second-round steal. Even during his injury-plagued sophomore season, Ojulari recorded 5.5 sacks in just seven games (230 snaps).

Last season, that production dipped to 2.5 sacks in 11 games but Ojulari’s presence was still a noticeable benefit to Thibodeau.

With the addition of Burns, Ojulari is likely to play more of a rotational role in 2024. With fewer snaps and demands on his body, it’s something that may keep the 24-year-old both healthy and productive. And if the Giants can get the 2019 version of Ojulari back, they’ll certainly be in business defensively.

[lawrence-related id=729923,729896,729906]

Giants’ Azeez Ojulari again named a player who could be traded

For the second time this offseason, New York Giants edge rusher Azeez Ojulari has been named a player who could be traded in 2024.

The New York Giants made their biggest offseason splash when they acquired edge rusher Brian Burns from the Carolina Panthers via trade during free agency.

While the move most certainly filled a need by giving the Giants an elite pass rusher, it also changed the role of Azeez Ojulari, who will likely see a diminished snap count moving forward.

Because of that diminished role, Pro Football network lists Ojulari as a player the Giants could trade.

New York Giants: Azeez Ojulari, EDGE

The New York Giants have built quite an elite pass-rushing duo with Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns. Yet that could mean Azeez Ojulari’s days in New York are coming to an end. Ojulari has failed to find consistency with the Giants and could be traded during the final year of his rookie contract.

Ojulari, who is indeed headed into the final year of his contract, has had trouble staying on the field for the better part of his NFL career. And with Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns making up the two starting edge rushers, it may be wise for the Giants to look to move Ojulari.

However, with the Giants welcoming in new defensive coordinator Shane Bowen, Ojulari’s role with the team may be larger than we think.

In episode 1 of Hard Knocks, Bowen stressed an organic pass rush, which is arguably easier with fresh legs.

Although this isn’t the first time Ojulari has been viewed as the Giants’ biggest trade option, depth along the defensive line is something that is welcomed for successful teams and was the Giants’ strength when they won their last two Super Bowls.

[lawrence-related id=729027,729032,729042]

Is Azeez Ojulari a top candidate to be traded by Giants?

Could the New York Giants trade edge rusher Azeez Ojulari by the NFL’s November 5 trade deadline?

The NFL trade deadline falls on Tuesday, November 5 — Election Day — this year. And while that’s still many months out, analysts and writers are already beginning to compile lists of players likely to be on the move.

Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report has it narrowed down to three for the New York Giants, the most obvious being wide receiver Darius Slayton, who has been considered a “trade candidate” for years now.

The second of the three listed by Knox is cornerback Aaron Robinson, a third-round pick in the 2021 NFL draft who has rarely seen the field due to injuries. He has almost no trade value whatsoever, so it’s hard to imagine a team sending the Giants a cup of coffee for him.

The final player on Knox’s list is far more intriguing: edge rusher Azeez Ojulari.

Pass-rushers are always at a premium, and the 2021 second-round pick has flashed a high upside during his three seasons in New York. As a rookie, Ojulari recorded eight sacks and an impressive 27 quarterback pressures.

However, Ojulari’s role has been diminished over the last two years, specifically after the 2022 first-round selection of Kayvon Thibodeaux. Jihad Ward, now with the Minnesota Vikings, was Thibodeaux’s primary edge-rushing complement in 2023. The arrival of Burns is likely to keep Ojulari in a rotational role this season.

With Thibodeaux, Burns and Dexter Lawrence II likely to form the foundation of New York’s pass rush for the foreseeable future, Ojulari may not be viewed as a long-term piece of the puzzle. He’s entering the final year of his rookie contract and could be valued more by a franchise that lacks entrenched edge-rushing stars.

Knox argues that instead of losing Ojulari in free agency (for nothing) next year, they could trade him by November’s deadline and recoup something. The fault in that argument is that Ojulari would potentially factor into the compensatory pick formula, so allowing him to walk in free agency wouldn’t be a “for nothing” loss.

Additionally, the presence of Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns may only serve to benefit Ojulari. He will see a lesser workload and that may help prevent him from further injury. Moreover, Shane Bowen’s defense is built around four stout pass rushers up front and Ojulari is a productive asset when he’s able to stay on the field.

If the Giants get into October and November and determine they are unlikely to re-sign Ojulari, they could decide to move him if general manager Joe Schoen believes the return will outweigh anything they might gain in the compensatory pick chase.

[lawrence-related id=728921,728905,728903]

Giants’ Andrew Thomas, Azeez Ojulari named NFLPA community MVPs

New York Giants LT Andrew Thomas and LB Azeez Ojulari have been named NFLPA community MVPs for their recent charity work.

Current New York Giants teammates Andrew Thomas and Azeez Ojuari, who were also college teammates at Georgia, have been named NFLPA Community MVPs for their work with kids in New Jersey.

From the Giants:

Thomas and Ojulari recently hosted children and their families from the Boys & Girls Club of Newark and Secaucus Parks & Recreation for an advance screening of the movie “IF”, which led to the two players being named NFLPA Community MVPs.

Over 100 local children attended the event as the two members of the Giants posed for photos with the kids and their families.

Thomas was selected fourth overall by the Giants in 2020 and signed a five-year, $117.5 million extension with Big Blue last July.

Ojuari, a second-round pick in 2021, is in the final year of his rookie deal and must overcome his injury history to earn a second contract with the club.

[lawrence-related id=728673,728670,728667]

Giants get ugly marks in 2021 NFL draft re-grade

After receiving positive grades initially, the New York Giants earned very low marks in a 2021 NFL draft re-grade.

The New York Giants’ 2021 draft class — the last one selected by former general manager Dave Gettleman — drew positive grades from critics in the days and weeks afterward.

Three years later, it’s not looking so good. The Giants made six selections. Only three of those players are still with them and none have made — or are making — significant impacts.

CBS Sports draft analyst Pete Prisco gave the Giants a B+ grade after the draft. In a recent re-draft, however, he lowered that grade to a D, and deservedly so.

They had six picks in the draft, including three in the first 71, and not one will go into the 2024 season as a starter. They whiffed on first-round receiver Kadarius Toney, who was traded to the Chiefs after just 30 catches for the Giants in five starts over two seasons. Second-round pass rusher Azeez Ojulari has 25 starts in three seasons with 16 sacks, but he will be a rotational player with Brian Burns coming over in a trade. The other backups on the roster are third-round corner Aaron Robinson and sixth-round running back Gary Brightwell. Robinson has played 11 games — none last season — as injuries have limited him.

Giant fans will recall the first-round trade between their two rivals — Dallas and Philadelphia that edged them out of their top target, Alabama wide receiver Devonta Smith.

Dallas held the 10th pick, the Giants the 11th, and Eagles the 12th. Dallas and Philly swapped picks, allowing the Eagles to poach Smith away from the Giants. Gettleman then traded back to No. 20 with Chicago, who took quarterback Justin Fields. Dallas immediately snatched up Linebacker Micah Parsons.

Gettleman chose Toney at No. 20 and then traded back in Round 2 from No. 42 to No. 50, grabbing more picks while still landing Ojulari. In the third round, the Giants moved up from 76 to 71 and selected Robinson.

Two of the three other picks in that draft — linebacker Elerson Smith and cornerback Rodarius Williams — are no longer with the team and running back Gary Brightwell is in the final year of his contract.

More from Prisco:

I loved the pick of Ojulari, who I said could be a major steal. He hasn’t been that, but he’s been solid. I did question taking Robinson in the third, but medicals make that a tough evaluation now. I said I liked the way the Giants moved down and took Toney and still got a first the next year. That pick is starting right tackle Evan Neal, taken seventh overall. He hasn’t played up to expectations, but injuries have hurt his growth.

Let’s not forget the other players the Giants would take with the picks Gettleman got in those draft day deals. New general manager Joe Schoen selected cornerback Cor’Dale Flott and tight end Daniel Bellinger. He had also traded a fifth-round pick from the draft for defense lineman Leonard Williams.

[lawrence-related id=727618,727605,727602]

Giants do not plan on trading Azeez Ojulari

The New York Giants reportedly have no plans to cut or trade edge rusher Azeez Ojulari following the acquisition of Brian Burns.

The New York Giants made a big splash early in free agency, acquiring edge rusher Brian Burns from the Carolina Panthers.

Immediately after that trade, the Giants signed Burns to a five-year extension worth $150 million with $87 million guaranteed.

That’s a hefty price tag for a team still cleaning up a messy salary cap situation. And it might lead one to believe that some cuts or trades are coming to help balance out the financial spreadsheet.

One potential option is fellow edge rusher Azeez Ojulari, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract and will account for a cap hit of $2.2 million.

Ojulari has failed to reach his ceiling since joining the Giants as a second-round pick in 2021. He’s also missed 16 games over that span due to a multitude of injuries, but despite that, Big Blue has no plans to sever ties.

Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports that the Giants do not plan to trade Ojulari and intend to keep him as part of their pass rush rotation, albeit in a more limited role.

Ojulari may seem expendable, but the Giants aren’t planning to trade the 23-year-old as he enters the final year of his rookie contract, according to a league source. Having a third edge rusher with 16 sacks over the past three seasons gives the Giants much better edge depth than they’ve had in years.

It’s not ideal for Ojulari to have his contract year crashed by Burns. But even pass-rush specialists cash in, so Ojulari could secure a solid payday if he’s productive in a reduced role.

Ojulari is still entirely capable of being a productive player for the Giants, but he must find a way to remain on the field. Perhaps a smaller, more specified role will help keep him healthy.

[lawrence-related id=725211,725207,725199]

Giants’ 9 biggest disappointments of 2023

The New York Giants regressed significantly in 2023 and these nine players were among the most disappointing.

The 2023 season was a major downer for the New York Giants. There were a few surprises and glimmers of hope on the defensive side of the ball, but it wasn’t enough to extend the season.

The front office issues plagued the team and resulted in more upheaval with the “parting of ways” with Wink Martindale.

In the wake of the blinders being ripped off around the whole Wink/Brian Daboll fiasco, let’s take a look at nine players (in no particular order) who disappointed the most in 2023.

Giants injury report: Darren Waller designated to return from IR

The New York Giants have designated TE Darren Waller to return from injured reserve (IR) and he could play on Sunday vs. New Orleans.

The New York Giants returned to practice on Thursday — their first full practice of the week — and the first order of business was a significant one.

Just prior to taking the field, the team announced that tight end Darren Waller (hamstring) had been designated to return from injured reserve (IR). If all goes well, he could see a few snaps on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints.

Waller indicated on Wednesday that he was close to a return but was just awaiting the green light from trainers.

In other positive news, every single player on the active roster participated on at least a limited basis for the second straight day. All have a chance to play in Week 15 — right tackle Evan Neal included.

The Giants’ full Thursday injury report can be found below:

Did not participate: N/A

Limited participant: OL Evan Neal (ankle), CB Cor’Dale Flott (shoulder), NT Dexter Lawrence (hamstring), DL A’Shawn Robinson (hamstring/finger), LB Isaiah Simmons (ankle), TE Darren Waller (hamstring)

Full participant: WR Parris Campbell (knee), LB Azeez Ojulari (shoulder)

[lawrence-related id=721123,721079,721064]

Follow the Giants Wire Podcast:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts

Giants injury report: Evan Neal returns to practice

New York Giants RT Evan Neal returned to practice on Wednesday, while four others, including NT Dexter Lawrence, were limited.

The New York Giants returned to the practice field on Wednesday following a stunning Week 14 upset of the Green Bay Packers.

Given that the Giants played on Monday night, they were limited to a walkthrough on Wednesday. They will have full practices on both Thursday and Friday before traveling down to New Orleans on Saturday.

The positive news opening Week 15 is that the team sustained no new injuries against Green Bay. Everyone on the active roster, right tackle Evan Neal included, participated in the walkthrough on at least a limited basis.

Unfortunately, there was also some negative news.

Daboll revealed that the 21-day window for tight end Darren Waller, who is currently on injured reserve (IR), was not opened. He did not practice on Wednesday and seems unlikely to play on Sunday against the Saints unless there is a drastic change in 24 hours.

“We’ll see where we’re at here, making progress. Getting closer,” Daboll said of Waller.

The Giants’ full (projected) Wednesday injury report can be found below:

Did not participate: N/A

Limited participant: OL Evan Neal (ankle), CB Cor’Dale Flott (shoulder), NT Dexter Lawrence (hamstring), LB Azeez Ojulari (shoulder), DL A’Shawn Robinson (hamstring/finger)

Full participant: WR Parris Campbell (knee)

[lawrence-related id=721015,720991,720980]