Giants Offseason Outlook: Emmanuel Ogbah, Oklahoma State
By: Marco Imperati
As the off-season kicks off for the New York Giants, the attention will rightfully turn to free agency and the NFL draft. One position fans will pound the table for will be a pass rusher. It seems like finding a prototypical 4-3 defensive end, one who can apply serious pressure on the quarterback, and stay in on all three downs to stop the fun, has become increasingly difficult to find.
The Giants drafted one very high years ago in Jason Pierre-Paul. They had that A+ specialist that teams covet. Unfortunately, JPP’s Giants future is in flux and he is now a free agent. Even if he resigns with the team, it’s hard to imagine he ever could return to the force that he once was after the fireworks accident last July.
Only a Junior, Emmanuel Ogbah out of Oklahoma State looks like he has all the makings of a talented pass rusher that will be selected in the first round of the draft. The Giants pick at 10 and although that could be a bit high for Ogbah, the draft process will shape as the combine and pro days take place.
Ogbah is 6/4, 275 pounds. His sack and tackles totals have increased every year he has been at Oklahoma State. He possesses a strong upper body and burst to get after quarterbacks. Another key ingredient for Ogbah are his long arms. The Giants have coveted pass rushers (JPP) with similar skill sets.
I think the Giants, especially sticking with Steve Spagnuolo, would find a variety of ways to use a player like Ogbah. He can line up all over the defensive line, showing enough strength to kick inside over a guard or center.
It is no secret that the Giants need a pass rusher. In addition to JPP, Robert Ayers is also a free agent. Teams around the league know that the Giants will be active in free agency and the draft to restock a position that was once their strength. It remains to be seen where Ogbah goes in the draft but one thing is for sure, he will play in the NFL and make a team very happy.