Desperation could cause this former Oregon star to be on the move once the 2025 NFL Draft gets underway
The Oregon Ducks haven't had a higher draft pick in recent years than when Kayvon Thibodeaux was selected fifth overall in the 2022 NFL Draft. At the time, the former All-American pass rusher was known to be a bit of a raw project despite his on-field accomplishments. That didn't dissuade the New York Giants from […]
The Oregon Ducks haven't had a higher draft pick in recent years than when Kayvon Thibodeaux was selected fifth overall in the 2022 NFL Draft. At the time, the former All-American pass rusher was known to be a bit of a raw project despite his on-field accomplishments.
That didn't dissuade the New York Giants from taking Thibodeaux, nor did it stop the 6-foot-5, 250-pounder from reaching 11.5 sacks in 2023. However, with injuries and inconsistency being part of Thibodeaux's journey to this point, the Giants could move on from the former Duck.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Thibodeaux could be traded during the 2025 NFL Draft. With the Giants seemingly locked in on Penn State pass-rusher Abdul Carter, if he's available, it'd make sense for the team to explore all avenues to find a quarterback.
The Giants have the third and 34th overall picks, but have not seemed inclined to take Colorado's Shedeur Sanders with their first selection. Trading Thibodeaux is a way for the Giants to avoid parting with a premium pick, paying an extension to a player about to be replaced by Carter, and find a franchise passer.
Thibodeaux has 21 sacks over three seasons with the Giants but has not been particularly explosive on a down-to-down basis. His win rate is mediocre, and despite being only 24, doesn't seem to have the upside we once thought.
A new situation could be better for him as he seeks out a long-term deal.
When Thibodeaux was with the Ducks, he quickly proved to be a top-tier presence. He had nine sacks as a freshman before finishing his 32-game career with 19.
It's reasonable to believe teams like Arizona, Atlanta, Tampa Bay, Cincinnati, and the Los Angeles Chargers should be interested. Each needs more assets to continue rebuilding their roster with.
