With the 5th overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft, the New York Giants select EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux out of the University of Oregon. Thibodeaux was the consensus #1 overall pick for most of the year until speculations of his character came into question. Still many football experts projected Thibodeaux to go before the Giants were on the board with pick #5. GM Joe Schoen had stated that the Giants had a list of 7 prospects that they will target and when the Jets selected CB Sauce Gardner at #4; the Giants had all three offensive tackles still on the board along with Thibodeaux and Johnson at the edge position.
What are the Giants Getting:
Thibodeaux possesses tremendous explosion off the edge with extreme bend and utilized his long arms to his advantage. Thibodeaux has the versatility to line up in a 3-point stance (4-3 scheme) or in a 2-point stance (3-4 scheme) and be disruptive in both schemes for DC Wink Martindale. As an edge rusher, Thibodeaux looks the part with his long, but solid frame (6’5/258-with room to grow) and the ability to go sideline to sideline and create havoc behind the line of scrimmage. Thibodeaux has a variety of moves off the edge and when you combine that with his play until the whistle mentality; Thibodeaux is just scratching the surface of his high ceiling potential.
Long Term Expectations:
Thibodeaux will be projected to play OLB opposite of Azeez Ojulari, giving the Giants a lethal pass-rushing duo for the next decade. The Giants haven’t had this talent level at the OLB position arguably since Carl Banks and Lawrence Taylor. Thibodeaux has the potential to take over a game and make his teammates better while playing at a pro-bowl level. DC Wink Martindale will utilize every bit of Thibodeaux’s strengths and will create specialized packages for the gifted edge rusher.
Final Thoughts
Day one of the draft couldn’t have gone any better for the Giants they walked away with Edge Kayvon Thibodeaux and Offensive Tackle Evan Neal who were both at one time during year projected to be the #1 pick in this draft. GM Joe Schoen first two picks as the Giants GM couldn’t have gone any better and he made a big statement with these two plug/play selections that the Giants are heading in the right direction.
If Day 1 provided the excitement with these two selections, Day 2 should provide a turning point for the Giants organization with three picks. If Joe Schoen pushes the right buttons and selects three additional impact players, this draft for the Giants will already be deemed a success. Day 1 Grade: A+