Giants OTA's: Former top-10 pick finally understands harsh NFL truth
When transitioning to any job, the onboarding process can be…well, a process. The same can be said for rookies going to the NFL, even if they're pegged as immediate contributors. As it turns out, both of the Giants' top 10 picks from 2022 found that out the hard way, and now they're looking to change […]
When transitioning to any job, the onboarding process can be…well, a process.
The same can be said for rookies going to the NFL, even if they're pegged as immediate contributors.
As it turns out, both of the Giants' top 10 picks from 2022 found that out the hard way, and now they're looking to change things up.
Kayvon Thibodeaux approached his inaugural season wide-eyed ad bushy-tailed. He had a number in his head when it came to the tally of sacks he wanted to achieve. Falling short of that number as he only recorded four total on the season, Thibodeaux won't be making that mistake again:
"I had a number on it last year," Thibodeaux told reporters regarding his sack goals. "I figured out that the season is so long that you have to do it by game. If I can make impactful plays like I was able to do and continue to win, I mean, no one will ever remember the number. As long as we win, as long as I continue to play well, play for my teammates I think I'll be good."
It seems as if Thibodeaux has adopted the mantra "be where your feet are." The second-year pass rusher seems more comfortable at OTA's aiming for a less stressful approach this fall:
"When you go for sacks, after four or five games with no sacks you start to realize to forget that number," Thibodeaux told reporters after Wednesday's OTA's. "What can I do to just make a play? Come the Baltimore game it was like okay, I’ve got to make a play. I don't really have time to think about the goals I had. I've got to go for something now"
And while Thibodeuax is making sure to change up his mental approach for 2023, fellow top 10 pick and starting offensive tackle Evan Neal is doing the same, but from a physical standpoint:
"I was analyzing my game and I was like, okay, maybe if I tweak this part of my stance maybe I'll be able to get to my pass set quicker or maybe I'll be more balanced whenever I take my pass sets. Really, it's just a refining type of thing," Neal told reporters when asked about the visible change in stance at OTA's. Coach Daboll seemingly approved, deflecting any and all credit to his coaching staff:
"I’d say (offensive line coach) Bobby (Johnson) does a great job with those guys," said Daboll. "I’d say he studies all the offensive linemen. He’s with them all day during practice, during this time. I’d say with each player, there’s little things that you try to tweak and coach on, and it’s no different with Evan."
So both Neal and Thibodeaux have taken the proper approach to leveling up their game this fall. The biggest leap for pass rushers tends to come from year one to two, with tackles needing a little more time to marinate.
Giants fans just hope these changes lead to my W's in the win column.
Featured image via: © Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK
