Azeez Ojulari was New York’s 50th overall pick from the 2021 NFL Draft and has had enough moments to make you think he’s the team’s next great Giants pass rusher. He’s also had enough to make you think retirement is already knocking on his door at just 24 years old.
Giants Pass Rusher Azeez Ojulari is a Question Mark but With Promise
The linebacker out of Georgia has played in just 35 of a possible 51 games thus far during his NFL tenure, battling calf, ankle, quad, and hamstring injuries. However, in 17 of those games, specifically his rookie year where he appeared in every possible contest, Ojulari tallied eight sacks, breaking a team record for quarterback takedowns by a rookie.
With those ongoing health concerns, but an undoubtedly high ceiling, Ojulari finds himself in an odd place as training camp rolls on. He remains worth monitoring but hasn’t been able to stay on the field enough to warrant considerable attention from fans and the media alike.
The Giants drafting standout defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux, trading for two-time Pro Bowl rusher Brain Burns, and maintaining run-stopper Dexter Lawrence in the time since drafting him has also factored into that. There’s only so much hype to go around, and it oftentimes goes first to the guys who are consistently available on game day.
But on the other hand, this lack of focus on Ojulari makes him a relatively underrated Giant going into the 2024 campaign. While he’ll of course need to ward off the injury bug, the talent is still there. While the rest of the team left little to be desired, he flashed it during New York’s second preseason game this past weekend vs the Houston Texans.
The Tape and Coaches Vouch for Ojulari
In the third, Ojulari got free to bring down Case Keenum and force an intentional grounding call. The Giants only brought four on the rush but Ojulari prevailed and beat his man.
Azeez Ojulari sack/intentional grounding pic.twitter.com/0fuiqyzNea
— Bobby Skinner (@BobbySkinner_) August 17, 2024
One play isn’t enough to garner much hype, but new Giants defensive coordinator Shane Belton has stepped in to supply some in addition. Belton praised Ojulari last week, even mentioning the possibility of using him as a fourth lineman once the regular season begins.
“I think he’s had a really good camp,” said Belton. “I do. I think he’s been consistent. I think he’s flashing throughout camp. Each day there’s usually a play or two where I’m like, ‘okay, that’s a great play.’ That’s something I’ve been pleased with him about is just the progression and being able to be the same guy every day.”
If this is indeed the year Ojulari brings some consistency to his game, it couldn’t come at a better time. The Giants pass rusher is currently in the last year of his rookie contract. Should injuries come for him again, it’s fair to assume the Giants won’t be in a hurry to give him more money, if any this summer. But if he plays, and plays well, he and his agent will have all the argumentative ammo they need to secure a multi-year deal.
Main Photo: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
