Giants’ OLB Azeez Ojulari details his performance in first pre-season game

The New York Giants had their fair share of ups and downs during the first preseason game to the New York Jets. Scoring just seven points doesn’t exactly indicate an efficient offense with good pass protection. However, the defense held the Jets to just 12 points, despite the majority of the starters sitting and allowing the Giants’ depth pieces to compete for roster spots.

However, getting some of the rookies on the field for their first professional action was a priority. Georgia pass rusher and 50th overall pick Azeez Ojulari enjoyed his first NFL action, posting just one tackle, but did overcome Mekhi Becton at left tackle in the run game.

Keep in mind Becton is a 6’7”, 363-pound mountain, while Ojulari is 6’2”, 249 pounds. Using his athleticism and technique, the former SEC sack leader managed to beat Becton and secure the edge.

“They called a play and I just tried to play my technique the best that I can,” Ojulari said regarding his shedded block against Becton. “He’s a big guy and I just tried to shed off of him and make a play. Just playing football.”

Despite a small sample size, Azeez showed some prowess sealing the edge against the run. Of course, a larger sample size will provide more film to work off of, but the Giants were just happy to get him on the field and in the action.

“It was great. Finally got the opportunity to go out and compete against a different team. It was just great. It was a learning curve for me just continuing to go out there and get better. It was phenomenal,” he said.

Big Blue is gearing up to take on the Cleveland Browns on August 22 at 7 PM. The Browns are coming off a 23-13 preseason win against the Jacksonville Jaguars. We might expect to see the starters feature for the Browns to open the game, but it will quickly transition to a depth matchup. Interestingly, former Giants reserve quarterback Kyle Lauletta recorded 212 yards and two scores last week for Cleveland, while the Giants’ reserve QBs both underperformed. In fact, Clayton Thorson has already been waived.