The New York Giants‘ 6-2 start was achieved in large part by the team’s impressive 2022 NFL Draft class. Joe Schoen’s first batch of Big Blue rookies has made an impact in every facet of the game, helping the Giants reach their impressive win total. The Giants’ marquee selection, fifth overall pick Kayvon Thibodeaux, has been a contributing factor in this equation despite the lack of media attention. Thibodeaux is quietly putting together a dominant rookie season for the New York Giants.
Kayvon Thibodeaux dominating for the New York Giants as a rookie
Kayvon Thibodeaux was drafted with lofty expectations as the fifth overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. The New York Giants landed one of the top-ranked prospects in the draft in Thibodeaux. The eccentric rookie had his first year get off to a shaky start, though, as a pre-season knee injury kept Thibs sidelined for the first two weeks of the regular season.
Since re-entering the Giants’ lineup in Week 3, Kayvon Thibodeaux has quietly made a massive impact on the defense. Kayvon only has one sack on the season, a clutch game-winner against the Ravens, but his impact extends beyond the box score. Advanced metrics reveal that Thibodeaux has been a very productive pass-rusher for Big Blue.
According to PFF, Kayvon Thibodeaux has totaled 17 pressures in six games this season. He has pressured the quarterback three or more times in three separate games. And according to the man himself, these numbers could be higher if the referees paid closer attention:
Kayvon Thibodeaux is disrupting opposing quarterbacks on a consistent basis. The New York Giants’ pass-rusher has improved week by week in his rookie season. It is only a matter of time before Thibodeaux puts it all together and begins to dominate the way he did at Oregon.