New York Giants select Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux in 2022 NFL Draft

In a draft full of pass rushers, not many are projected to be better than Oregon Ducks defensive end Kayon Thibodeaux. On Thursday night, the New York Giants selected Thibodeaux with the fifth-overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft.

During his time at Oregon, Thibodeaux finished seventh in program history with 19 sacks. Seven came during his final season while playing in 11 games. He was a disruptor elsewhere in the backfield as well, totaling 123 tackles, 35.5 tackles for a loss, and three forced fumbles. One of the best of the past three years, Thibodeaux is now an early first-round draft pick.

New York Giants will be hoping similar results come over the next few years. An elite pass rusher can change the dynamic of your franchise and New York Giants has now heavily invested in one.

Thibodeaux has always been viewed as a highly rated prospect, dating back to his high school days. He was the top edge prospect, according to the On3 Consensus, in the 2019 class. The Five-Star Plus+ recruit was the No. 1 player from his home state of California and second overall in the country.

Living up to the first-round projection after his collegiate career, Thibodeaux will now try to meet new expectations with New York Giants.

What NFL Draft analysts are saying about Kayon Thibodeaux

Lance Zierlein of NFL.com took a look at Thibodeaux before the draft, comparing him to former Tennessee Titans pass rusher Brian Orakpo. He said the former Oregon man is far from a finished product but he should translate to the league well.

“Enticing edge defender whose game is fueled by traits and power over skill and instincts at this juncture of his career,” Zierlein said. “Thibodeaux is hardly a finished product, but has pro-ready attributes that should help him acclimate quickly. He’s a plus run defender who punches above his weight at the point of attack with heavy hands and a sturdy base. He has some suddenness in tight quarters and above-average pursuit speed, which should keep the tackles for loss rolling in throughout his career.

“Thibodeaux rushes with effort, upfield burst and play-through power that should bring reasonable sack/pressure production. However, he needs to add some go-to moves and more skilled hands to his bag if he is to affect the quarterback more frequently and reach his lofty potential as a standout, two-way edge defender.”