As we approach the 2022 NFL draft, the New York Giants will be connected to many different players, especially considering they have two first-round picks in the top 10.
It is well known that Big Blue needs to inject more offensive line talent into the trenches, but the defensive side could also use a bit of talent with several players hitting free agency.
One player who has been regularly mocked to the Giants is Oregon stand-out pass rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux. It was only a few months ago that Thibodeaux was considered arguably the top player in the draft and number one overall pick, but as we get closer, his stock is beginning to fall, according to analysts.
ESPN’s Todd McShay recently stated that Thibodeaux could drop due to motor concerns:
“I heard a lot about Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux, including concerns that he just doesn’t play with the same fire as some other top prospects. His ceiling is high, but the floor is lower than what you want for a top-five pick. And based on a handful of conversations, it wouldn’t shock me if Thibodeaux fell out of the top five. Speaking of which, it was very apparent this week that the top of the draft isn’t nearly as set as it normally is at this point. Picks at the top of the first round might be a little more based on team flavor than recent years.”
Thibodeaux finished last season with 7.0 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, 49 tackles in total, and two forced fumbles over ten games. His statistics are solid, and he would fit perfectly in the Giants’ 3–4 scheme as an outside linebacker with a fantastic burst off the edge.
However, analysts continue to steer the Giants away from Thibodeaux over concerns that may or may not be true. According to Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network, Kayvon could plummet in this year‘s draft.
He’s going to drop.
— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) February 22, 2022
In the case that Thibodeaux drops, it would have to be for intangible reasons since his tape shows a phenomenal pass rusher that can impact the game of the next level.
New general manager Joe Schoen isn’t looking for players who are going to disrupt the process but rather committed football players who will buy into the system without being a distraction. If there’s any belief that Thibodeaux will be a cause for concern in the NFL, the Giants will likely steer clear.
However, if Schoen believes those reports are false and Kayvon is sitting there for the taking with the 7th overall pick, you better believe the Giants will jump on the bandwagon and potentially land one of the steals of the draft. Keep in mind Micah Parsons and Rashawn Slater dropped out of the top-10 last year are on their way to being All-Pro players after incredible rookie seasons.