Giants: Analyzing a sophomore starter most capable of breaking out in 2023
The Giants addressed both sides of the trenches in the 2022 NFL Draft, investing top 10 picks on Kayvon Thibodeaux and Evan Neal respectively. Building inside out is a proven recipe for success in the NFL, meaning no one batted an eye at those picks, and both showed promising moments in their rookie year. But […]
The Giants addressed both sides of the trenches in the 2022 NFL Draft, investing top 10 picks on Kayvon Thibodeaux and Evan Neal respectively.
Building inside out is a proven recipe for success in the NFL, meaning no one batted an eye at those picks, and both showed promising moments in their rookie year.
But now it's time to see which player will take the next step and which player may tread water, or even have a sophomore slump. Let's dive into the who's who.
Breakout Candidate: Kayvon Thibodeaux
Thibodeaux was a poster child for what can be paralysis by over-analysis during his pre-draft process in 2022. People cited things like him having other interests outside of football, or being narrow-waisted as potential flaws, causing him to lose the poll position that many thought he had wrapped up.
Then, in his rookie year, people pointed to a lack of production, as he didn't exactly light up the box score, finishing with only four sacks, and 49 tackles across 14 games, all of which he started in.
But as the clip above encapsulates, Thibodeaux affected the game in so many ways that don't show if you just go hunting sacks, tackles, and tackle-for-loss figures. If not for his play against Aaron Rodgers in London, and scoop score against Washington, there's a good chance they lose those games, and subsequently miss out on the playoffs.
Thibodeaux won't even turn 23 until December, and his pass-rush prowess is still developing as he learns to counter pass protectors and develop his arsenal of hand and body movements.
He often won with pure speed and power in college, and for much of last year he did the same, but to truly take the next step, he must learn a variety of moves to enable a suitable pass rush plan.
The reason why I choose Thibodeaux over Neal is based on positional development. Pass rushers can take a true leap in their second year as they now have acclimated to NFL tackles and hopefully become more multiple in their play style.
But with tackle, the development curve is much steeper and the position is almost like a fine art, taking more mastery of technique and experience than nearly any other position.
Giants fans know this all too well, as they and maybe even the Giants brass were ready to write off Andrew Thomas after his first two years, but he proved that patience is a virtue making the All-Pro second team in only his third season in 2023.
The obvious best-case scenario is that both players break out and help catapult their respective units to amongst the best in the league. Wishful thinking nonetheless, but certainly a possibility that earns entertaining.
