Thibs, Ojulari, Ward and Ellerson Smith. Then what?
2022 began with both Thibs and Ojulari out with injuries, so at least this year our starters should be better out of the gate. Hopefully they both stay healthy.
Ward played more than expected, with snaps at edge and on the DL, Smith missed most of his first two seasons, plus the third before that when his college team’s season was cancelled due to Covid. Ximenes was ok, showed a few flashes but nothing to inspire thoughts of him returning. Am I forgetting anyone else?
Seems like we need at least another body or two. Positional value might suggest investing a day 1 or 2 draft pick, but needs at WR and CB (other high PVs of need) might make it less of a priority. Add in the uncertainty at C and perhaps we’re looking at day 3 to add depth at the edge.
BPA, if there is a stud who grades out as best value of course you grab him. But if we are looking at later round options what are the more important skill sets for edge in Wink’s defense? Setting the edge to keep the run game contained? That doesn’t seem to be the strengths of Thibs and Ojulari. So are we possibly looking for a situational edge guy who excels versus the run to spell our starters?
Correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t Wink’s defense a bit unusual in that it doesn’t necessarily rely on the edges for pressure, scheming instead from everywhere? So maybe what we’re looking for is less appreciated league wide and can be found later in the draft or on a vet minimum contract?
Thoughts?
With that said, I would have no issues with drafting an edge defender somewhat high as long as he is the best player available.
a lot of good pass rushing talent in this draft and buffalo took a ton of pass rushers early over the last several years. more than any other position by a lot.
2. Can Ojulari stay healthy
Even if he stays healthy, you need ER's. Definitely on the table for round 1.
Felix Anodike-Uzomah, Edge, Kansas State. 25.5 sacks the last two seasons.
I'm really convinced that the Giants will have a strong impact player available to them at an impact position...WR, CB, or Edge, at #25. To me, it's going to be tough to go in another direction if that's the case, unless they project the prospect to be elite very soon, which could be the case with someone like O'Cyrus Torrence.
With that said, I would have no issues with drafting an edge defender somewhat high as long as he is the best player available.
I forgot about Fox, thanks Vin. Still leaves room for a Ximenes replacement.
I don't think Tomon Fox should prevent the acquisition of another edge rusher.
I don't think Tomon Fox should prevent the acquisition of another edge rusher.
agreed, i think fox is a longer term successor of jihad ward in that physical set the edge role. maybe he has a little more upside than that but i dont think they can count on that.
With that said, I would have no issues with drafting an edge defender somewhat high as long as he is the best player available.
I think he surprises big time this year. He had over 30 sacks and 44 TFLs at UNC and we know he can hit. Wink has had success with UDFAs before.
2. Can Ojulari stay healthy
Even if he stays healthy, you need ER's. Definitely on the table for round 1.
get better, are we looking at drafting a tackle rd 1 2024?
wayyyy to many other needs.
In fact I'd be shocked if we take on before the 4th round...
IMHO
Easy to make the case to pick an Edge, especially if the talent is obvious over other positions.
wayyyy to many other needs.
In fact I'd be shocked if we take on before the 4th round...
IMHO
you can never have enough pass rushers AG
We have 10 picks right now. I could see a few front 7 picks.
Even at 25.
I'd actually be THRILLED with that.
I'd actually be THRILLED with that.
Same.
wayyyy to many other needs.
In fact I'd be shocked if we take on before the 4th round...
IMHO
Yeah. That’s my wish - they draft a player they are incredibly excited about. CB, G, LB, WR, whatever. Big time talent is the requirement.
Not sure we'd draft him considering he'd likely be replacing his brother in the near future -- seems like a sticky dynamic.
Are there edge players who specialize in stopping the run? Maybe as a situational player he could be drafted in later rounds?
Quote:
Even without delving into Ojulari's injuries, he's also weak against the run. I was going through the footage from last year and teams liked to run at him whenever he was on the field.
Are there edge players who specialize in stopping the run? Maybe as a situational player he could be drafted in later rounds?
I still prefer a two-way DE like a Michael Strahan or Justin Tuck-type.