Amani Oruwariye, Cornerback
Height: 6-foot-2 | Weight: 205 pounds
2022 Stats: 44 total tackles, 1 TFL, 3 passes defended, 1 fumble recovery
Coming out of Penn State, Oruwariye was one of the first “new breed” of NFL cornerbacks with an impressive physical profile that includes height and insane length that have taken over the NFL Draft. That used to be an outlier profile, which meant he would be an early draft pick, but it’s becoming more common in today’s league.
It’s been an up-and-down career thus far for Oruwariye, but he’s also had the difficult task of being part of a Lions team that has seen multiple changes to the defensive coaching staff, never really being able to find time with one defensive system.
Oruwariye had an injury-riddled rookie season in 2019, the COVID season in 2020, followed by the best year of his career in 2021, and the worst year in 2022. It’s hard to truly say we know what he brings to the table, but we're about to find out.
Best Case Scenario
The change of scenery from Detroit to East Rutherford could be exactly what Oruwariye needs to return to his 2021 form. Oruwariye has shown his desire and ability to be a ballhawk with his six-interception season, but he has struggled to maintain that form.
If the Giants can get Oruwariye into position consistently, he could become a turnover threat like Marcus Peters was for Wink Martindale in Baltimore. Oruwariye is still young enough that there’s a reasonable expectation for him to be able to make strides and return to form following a disappointing 2022.
Worst Case Scenario
On the flip side of things, maybe 2021 was the fluke season, and 2022 is just what Oruwariye brings to the table. If so, he likely wouldn’t make it through the season on the Giants roster. The 2022 season also saw Oruwariye struggle with minor injuries as he built up the unfortunate reputation of being one of the most inconsistent cover men in the NFL when he was healthy. He will need to smash that stereotype by taking advantage of his opportunities.
What to Expect in 2023
Oruwariye had a great 2021 followed by a bad 2022 season, meaning he likely finds himself somewhere between that peak and valley for 2023. Whether that’s good enough to earn him significant playing time this season depends more on the development of players around him than on his own personal play.
Hope for the best and preparing for the worst is probably the best mindset with Oruwariye in 2023.
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