Key Takeaways:
– Post-draft, New York Giants signed eight undrafted free agents, including LSU pass rusher Ovie Oghoufo.
– Noted NFL Bleacher Report writer, Ryan Fowler, earmarked Oghoufo as highly likely to make the Giants’ 53-man roster.
– Oghoufo displayed consistent performance and agility in college, suggesting potential to tackle Giants’ history of fewest sacks.
– Depth issues at the position could provide Oghoufo with the chance to show his ability on the Giants’ platform.
A New Wave Of Talent: Ovie Oghoufo
The New York Giants recently brought on board eight undrafted free agents following the 2024 NFL Draft. Among this fresh talent pool, LSU pass rusher Ovie Oghoufo has emerged as a strong contender. Oghoufo, who has also played for Texas and Notre Dame, is considered by Bleacher Report analyst Ryan Fowler to have a substantive chance of securing a spot on the Giants’ 53-man roster.
Previously Showcasing Skill and Consistency
“Oghoufo enters the NFL with copious experience under his belt, thanks to his tenure at Notre Dame, Texas, and LSU,” elaborated Fowler. “An aggressively upfield pass-rusher, Oghoufo demonstrates athletic prowess and lateral agility that enables him to commandeer fringe areas. His impressive record of 1,967 snaps within the front seven illustrates his potential to compete for rotational snaps with the New York Giants.” Fowler stated, substantiating his assumption.
Addressing The Giants’ History: Fewest Sacks
Fowler underscores the Giants’ previous challenge of being “tied for the fourth-fewest sacks last season,” offering a conclusion that the team could benefit from an infusion of fresh talent at the position, like Oghoufo, supplementing existing assets like Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns. The Giants have generally struggled with depth in the role of the outside linebacker, which has opened up a potential opportunity for Oghoufo.
Opportunity Beckons Oghoufo to the Giants
Facing a depth issue at this position, the Giants are looking at potential options. If current third outside linebacker, Azeez Ojulari faces an injury scare or performance issues, the slot for the fourth job in the rotation opens up. As things stand, unless the team’s general manager Joe Schoen opts for a late veteran addition, Oghoufo could find himself center stage in New York.
Oghoufo’s College Career: A Snapshot
A glance at Oghoufo’s college career affirms his prowess. He tallied 8.5 tackles for a loss and 2.5 sacks in 2022 as part of the Longhorns. Despite shifting systems, Oghoufo remained consistent, achieving 2.5 sacks in four of his five NFL campaigns and 2.0 sacks in the fifth. Oghoufo also proved adept at tackling, with 163 total credited tackles as an edge rusher, maintaining a modest missed tackle rate of around 11%.
In addition, Oghoufo shone as a run defender, amassing 67 defensive stops, including a career-high of 24 in 2021. His run defense grades seldom fell below 70.0 in PFF metrics, proving his tenacity and aptitude on the field.
Facing the Competition
In the Giants’ arena, Oghoufo is likely to face stiff competition from fourth-year veteran Boogie Basham, third-year journeyman Benton Whitley, second-year UDFA Tomon Fox, 2023 pickup Jeremiah Martin, Ojulari, and special teams signing Matthew Adams. Nevertheless, given his impressive track record and potential, Oghoufo’s transition to the Giants roster may well be something to watch out for in the upcoming season.