Giants bolster pass rush with Azeez Ojulari at No. 50

The New York Giants selected edge defender Azeez Ojulari out of Georgia in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, No. 50 overall.

The Giants entered the draft with a major need for a pass-rusher. Leonard Williams, an interior rusher, was the only player on the team to collect more than four sacks in 2020.

Ojulari generated some first-round buzz before the draft, but medical concerns sank his stock. The 20-year-old tore an ACL in high school but played full seasons in 2019 and 2020.

The defensive MVP of last season's Peach Bowl finished his final campaign at Georgia with a team-high 35 quarterback pressures and an SEC-best 8.5 sacks.

Draft profile Todd Kirkland / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Key stats: 9.5 sacks, 12.5 TFLs, 31 tackles

There shouldn't be much reservation about Ojulari's transition to the NFL level after he's exhibited all the traits desired of a speed rusher off the edge. The athletic profile will continue to give offensive tackles fits to the outside, as his get-off and ability to bend the edge alone are lethal. But that's not the only way the Georgia standout wins. With a solid arsenal of rush moves and the plan necessary to set up his opponent, he does more than just run the arc. Ojulari's ceiling and overall effectiveness as an every-down player will depend on his ability to add to his frame, but there's certainly room to grow, and he's already far more physical than you might expect. Ojulari should be an instant-impact speed rusher with the upside for much more.

Copyright (C) 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.