The New York Giants drafted outside linebacker, Oshane Ximines, in the 3rd round of the 2019 NFL draft. This was an interesting pick for sure, a mainly unknown prospect from a college that doesn’t produce NFL talent. However, Ximines is one of the few bright spots on the 2019-2020 Giants roster. Let’s take a look at who Oshane Ximines was before he dawned the blue and white, who is Oshane Ximines?
High School
Oshane Ximines attended Hertford County High School in Ashokie, North Carolina. Ximines recorded 145 tackles and 35 sacks in his entire high school career. Oshane Ximines was ranked as a 3-star outside linebacker and received offers from schools such as Cincinnati University,  Appalachian State University, and Old Dominion University. Ximines would commit to Old Dominion University on June 21st, 2013.
College
Oshane Ximines played only one game in his freshman year before getting redshirted. Ximines moved into a more significant role in his sophomore year, but he couldn’t fully reach his potential with limited playing time. Oshane Ximines recorded 32 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, four passes deflected, and five sacks in 2015. The four passes deflected stat is a standout; Ximines is 6’3 216 pounds, he’s too big to defend the pass, yet he did it anyway. Oshane Ximines broke out in his Junior/Senior year, as he went on to rack up 86 tackles, 25.5 tackles for loss, 16 sacks, six passes deflected two fumble recoveries, and seven forced fumbles. Ximines went into his 5th and final year as a force to be reckoned with. In his final year with Old Dominion, Ximines recorded 58 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, one interception, two pass deflections, and four forced fumbles. These dominating 5th-year stats saw Ximines receive an invite to the NFL annual combine.
NFL Combine
Oshane Ximines came into the combine as a mostly unknown player because Old Dominion is not a prestigious school. Ximines ran a 4.78-second 40-yard dash; this would be an impressive time if this combine didn’t showcase Nick Bosa, Montez Sweat, Brian Burns, and Rashan Gary. Ximines also repped 225 pounds 24 times, which is impressive even if it wasn’t the highest of the edge rushers. Overall, it was an average combine for Ximines; his performance didn’t help or hurt is value. Ximines would be chosen purely off his play at Old Dominion, which was very impressive.
NFL Draft
Oshane Ximines would slip into the 3rd round, which surprised nobody. Ximines was a mid 3rd round pick at best in most mock drafts. I was a little surprised that he fell to pick 95, where the New York Giants would select the former Monarch. NFL analysts were praising Ximines as the steal of the draft. Ximines came into the Giant’s rookie training camp with something to prove.
NFL Season
Ximines came in as the backup to Markus Golden and played all 16 games. In week 4, the winless New York Giants faced the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Ximines recorded his first sack against Jameis Winston as the Giants won their first game of the season. Flash forward to week 14 vs. the Philadelphia Eagles; Ximines sacked Carson Wentz twice during the overtime loss. Ximines also switched positions from defensive end to outside linebacker in week 14. Oshane Ximines ended the year with 25 tackles, five tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, one pass deflection, and nine quarterback hits. Ximines was a solid rookie, and Giants fans are eager to see what he can improve on in year two.
Conclusion
Ximines played like a beast in college, and he should’ve been picked higher than the 95th pick. Although Ximines’ play was terrific in college, Old Dominion is not a good enough college to help his stock. Old Dominion doesn’t really play any team of talent except for Virginia. If Ximines received an offer from Ohio State or Florida, Ximines would be a 1st round pick.