What role could Giants 2nd-round EDGE Azeez Ojulari assume?
The Giants executed a bit of a pattern to commence what was an important 2021 draft. In each of the first two rounds, Big Blue traded back, acquired additional draft picks, and carried out a selection that will hopefully boost the talent on this roster. Theres possible belief that choosing Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney at No. 20 overall while taking this route was a reach. However, the subsequent round-two selection of Georgia edge rusher Azeez Ojulari at No. 50 was anything but a reach. Actually, steal would be a much more appropriate word. Ojulari still being available when he was chosen was one of the more surprising occurrences of the draft  it was a fantastic value pick for New York and the former Bulldog should absolutely improve the teams pass rush. A significant investment = significant playing time  Despite the fact we previously stated the choosing of Ojulari was a steal, the No. 50 overall pick is still a valuable draft resource. The Giants owned just six total picks this offseason  the fact they were willing to utilize one of their top two on the edge rusher shows how high they are on him. It was a significant investment, which means significant playing time is en route for the young player. In a 3-4 scheme, expect Ojulari to start at one of the two outside linebacker/edge rusher spots. His potential starting role in a 3-4 actually seems to be more clear than the alternative outside linebacker role  theres likely going to be more of a competition for the other starting spot opposite Ojulari. Lorenzo Carter, Oshane Ximines, and free-agent pickup Ryan Anderson should compete at that specific position. But all in all, expect Ojulari to earn the bulk of the reps out of the teams outside linebackers  hes young, fresh, and as was mentioned before, the Giants are high on him. Theres no reason he shouldnt see a noteworthy amount of time on the field. Ojulari is likely a better fit as an outside backer in a 3-4 than as a defensive end in a 4-3, but if coordinator Patrick Graham utilizes the latter scheme, theres a chance he could also field the rookie on the line. Dont expect Azeez to receive more reps as a defensive end than as an outside linebacker though  his size (6-foot-2, 249 pounds) means hed likely be more comfortable in the latter role. Edge rusher rotation may still be intact  Ojulari will likely be on the field a great amount, but dont let that fool you into thinking hell be partaking on every single play. Graham provided playing time to numerous edge rushers last year, such as Carter/Ximines before their season-ending injuries and then-Giants Kyler Fackrell and Markus Golden. Fackrell averaged the most number of defensive snaps per game out of the aforementioned 2020 Big Blue players with 50.6. Ojulari may figure to earn more defensive reps than 50.6 per game, but he still might be part of an edge rusher rotation. This method definitely carries its positives  it constantly keeps bodies fresh and minds focused.