Matt Bowen names Giants’ Azeez Ojulari the draft’s top value pick
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The New York Giants have received an endless stream of praise for their 2021 NFL draft picks and haul on future assets. And it’s been completely warranted — general manager Dave Gettleman & Co. did a great job.
On Monday, that flow of praise continued, this time by way of ESPN’s Matt Bowen, who named Georgia edge rusher Azeez Ojulari one of the draft’s top value pick who could also make an early impact.
Pick: Round 2, No. 50 (Georgia)
I saw Ojulari as a late Day 1 pick given his quicks off the ball and the ability to bend and close to the quarterback. I believe Ojulari, who had 8.5 sacks against SEC competition last season, has a high ceiling as a pass-rusher, plus the skills to play off contact versus the run game. The fit works here, too, for defensive coordinator Patrick Graham in New York. Run twist stunts with Ojulari and veteran Leonard Williams. Scheme him up in one of the more multiple NFL systems we see on tape.
As Ojulari works to refine his run defense, he will be heavily relied upon to generate pressure without the benefit of a blitz. That was an issue for the Giants and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham in 2020, but one that should subside thanks to Ojulari this season.
Coupled with the returning Lorenzo Carter and Oshane Ximines, plus the addition of fourth-round pick Elerson Smith, the Giants seem more formidable in the pass rush department than they did a year ago. But that still has to show itself on the field — you can’t generate sacks on paper.
