He didn't intend for it to be this way, but New York Giants outside linebacker Azeez Ojulari has been a tease thus far through two seasons in the league.
Ojulari, the Giants' second-round draft pick in 2021, has flashed some serious pass-rushing potential, recording 13.5 sacks in two seasons. But while he was able to make it through his entire rookie campaign, last year, Ojulari was fighting more against the injury bug than he was against opposing offensive linemen, the linebacker appearing in just seven games and recording 5.5 sacks.
Ojulari hopes those struggles to stay healthy are behind him and that he and Kayvon Thibodeaux can turbocharge the Giants pass rush.
“We’re still working," he said. "We can't wait to show everyone throughout the season what we’ve got, and we’re just going to keep our heads down and keep working. Sky's the limit, man.”
Ojualri and the Giants defense certainly went to work in Monday’s practice, with Leonard Williams and Thibodeaux continually in the backfield and Ojulari adding a tackle for loss. The Giants' defensive line was certainly causing havoc for the offense all practice. Defensive coordinator Wink Martindale’s scheme is about bringing the pressure, and that’s certainly what the Giants defense is starting to do consistently.
“We had a lot of plays during that last session that we just wanted to keep pushing through when it got hard for us and just wanted to keep going, just find a new energy, a new gear in you," Ojulari said. "Keep pushing, even though we're all tired. Just got to keep pushing through. You never know. We might have a long drive in a game. We’re just preparing ourselves for those moments that come.”
Ojulari is not only working to be an effective pass rusher, but he's also trying to show that he can be an every-down player, and to that end, he's been working on improving his run defense.
“Yeah, it’s big because I want to be an all-down player, coming out there and dominating whenever I'm out there," he said. "Just do my job to the best of my ability. Whatever I can do to set the edge, help the team, stop the run, tackle for losses, just making an impact out there.”
The Giants have to be excited about the potential of Ojulari. He proved to be efficient, considering the number of games he played last season. If he stays healthy, the Giants will have one of the best pass-rushing duos they’ve lacked for a long time.
More must-reads: