The New York Giants are 0-3 and in the midst of dark times as an organization. However, there are some silver linings to appreciate. Rookie edge rusher Azeez Ojulari is a shining light in the middle of this dark shadow for the Giants to celebrate.
The Giants drafted Azeez Ojulari with the 50th overall pick in this year’s 2021 NFL Draft. Ojulari was expected to be drafted in the top twenty picks of the first round, but he fell deep into round two. The Giants were thought to have gotten one of the biggest steals of the draft when they selected Azeez Ojulari out of Georgia. Through three games, it sure seems like a steal is what they got.
Azeez Ojulari stats and highlights
Azeez Ojulari is making an early case for Defensive Rookie of the Year. Through three games, Ojulari looks like a strong candidate for the end-of-season award. The Giants have seen real promise from their second-round pick to start this season.
Azeez has managed to record a sack in each of the first three games of this season. Through three games, Ojulari has recorded 7 combined tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, and 1 forced fumble.
#Giants rookie 2nd round pick Azeez Ojulari has 3 sacks in 3 games so far to start his career.pic.twitter.com/tYDSMhmZ9F
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) September 26, 2021
Pro Football Focus was particularly impressed with Azeez Ojulari’s Week Three performance. Ojulari earned a 92.2 overall PFF grade during Sunday’s contest. He was also nominated for the Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Week Award.
Through the first three weeks of the season, Ojulari has earned a 77.5 pass rush grade, good for the 23rd-highest mark among all edge defenders. It is also the highest pass rush grade among edge defenders from the 2021 draft class, and the third-highest among all rookies. His three sacks currently lead the 2021 rookie class. – via Giants.com
The Giants are in a hole at 0-3 to start the season. But as a long-term investment, Azeez Ojulari seems to have been a steal in the second round of this year’s draft. Azeez has flashed some excellent potential. Giants fans will enjoy watching Azeez Ojulari develop during his rookie season.