Giants select EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux: 5 things to know
The New York Giants selected Oregon edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft on Thursday.
Thibodeaux has been highly touted and at times in the last year, mocks had him going as high as No. 1 overall.
Thibodeaux adds to an already young line that includes 2019 first-round pick Dexter Lawrence and 2021 second-round pick and Georgia product Azeez Ojulari.
Here are five things to know about the newest Giant.
Impressive college resume
Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports
Prior to his college days at the University of Oregon, Thibodeaux was a USA TODAY High School All-American in his junior and senior years.
The Oregon product won Pac-12 defensive Freshman of the Year in 2019. In 2020, he was the Morris trophy recipient, which is awarded to the most outstanding offensive and defensive lineman in the Pac-12 Conference in a vote amongst the players.
Thibodeaux also received First-Team All-Pac 12 honors in the last two seasons and was also the Pac-12 Championship Game MVP.
One of Thibodeaux’s more impressive performances just happened to be in the Pac-12 championship in 2021 where he won MVP. Particularly because he was going up against a USC offensive line that included Alijah Vera-Tucker.
"The Chosen One" tattoo
Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports
Thibodeaux has a tattoo on his right arm that reads “The Chosen One.” He certainly recognizes the opportunity his talent has given him.
“I got it because no one in my family has done anything,” Thibodeaux said in the past. “We don’t have anything to live for. The name means nothing. Thibodeaux means nothing. The opportunity that I have and the talent that I’ve been blessed with, I’m able to change the dynamic and change the forefront of my future, my family’s future.”
Jream Foundation, NFT, businessman
Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
In September of 2021, Thibodeaux founded the Jream Foundation whose mission is to “educate, mentor, empower and instill confidence and wisdom into underprivileged youth.”
In July of 2021, Thibodeaux collaborated with Nike CEO Phil Knight and shoe designer Tinker Hatfield to design an NFT. Just before his final season at Oregon, Thibodeaux launched his own cryptocurrency called $JREAM.
Thibodeaux also has marketing deals with United Airlines, PlantFuel and Starface.
Clearly, Thibodeaux is a smart businessman outside of football.
Mixed bag of reviews from draft experts
AP Photo/Andy Nelson
Thibodeaux has had his fair share of critics regarding his drive and effort on a play in and play out basis. Although he was believed to be a shoe-in for No. 1 overall, Thibodeaux’s stock fell in 2022.
Daniel Jeramiah has referred to Thibodeaux’s effort as “spotty” and Todd McShay also recently made comments about his lack fire compared to the other top prospects.
“He’s another guy inside with his power he’s tough to deal with. Outside, when you watch him, his get-off is as good as you’ll find at the defensive end/outside linebacker spot. He doesn’t have the pass rush moves. He doesn’t have the bend right now; little stiff. You talk about just overall, say a Myles Garrett type — nobody’s going to be that way — but he’s not the (Jadeveon) Clowney, Myles Garrett type in terms of that bend and that agility. But he’s power, he’s speed, he chases, he closes. He’s got great get-off.
“With Thibodeaux he maybe can be as good as he wants to be and coaching will dictate that with the pass rush moves he has to develop,” said Mel Kiper Jr.
Despite some criticism from draft expert, Thibodeaux still thinks he is the best player in the draft.
“The most ridiculous thing I’ve heard is that I’m not the best player in this draft,” Thibodeaux said at the NFL Combine.
Combine and player comparison
Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK
Thibodeaux ran an impressive 4.58 40-yard dash time at the combine and was able to notch 27 reps on the bench press.
Kayvon’s professional player comparison on NFL.com was Brian Orakpo. Orakpo was good during the prime of his career but had a short prime of his career so hopefully the Giants are getting something even better than Orakpo.
1
1
