Beyond Kayvon Thibodeaux’s Stats, the Giants Defender is the Team’s Spark

Edge Rusher’s Unapologetic Swag Lights a Fire in His Team

July 18, 2023 122 2 minutes readNFL Picks & Parlays

Beyond Kayvon Thibodeaux’s Stats, the Giants Defender is the Team’s Spark — STEPHEN MATUREN / GETTY IMAGES

Thibodeaux Brings the Heat
Kayvon Thibodeaux’s Player Profile & Stats
Last Year’s Stats
Giants Need Thibodeaux To Level Up

While Kayvon Thibodeaux’s stats as a fifth overall pick in 2022 did not “wow”, he made quite the impression regardless. The New York Giants linebacker compiled four sacks, two forced fumbles, and 13 quarterback hits in 14 appearances last season. But he’ll be most remembered for celebrating after hitting and injuring Colts quarterback Nick Foles. As controversial as it was, that was a peek at the type of energy the 22-year-old brings to his team.

Thibodeaux Brings the Heat

Thibodeax entered the 2022 NFL Draft as one of the top edge rushers. While he was not entirely polished, scouts described his greatest strength as one who was “fueled by a solid internal drive”. He also played hard, moved furiously, and blends heavy hands with speed and power. In short: Thibodeaux is a beast.

And the 22-year-old flashed most of what made him a prized prospect last year. Even if Kayvon Thibodeaux’s stats were not eye-popping, he left an impact on the field. Now, heading to his sophomore season, the Giants expect him to take a leap forward.

“I feel like it was pretty good,” Thibodeaux said about his rookie season. “I feel like my rookie year, I left a lot of space to grow, got better as time went on. Continuously put the work in. I’m excited for the second year now.”

Kayvon Thibodeaux’s Player Profile & Stats

Before the NFL, Thibodeaux played three seasons with Oregon. He won numerous accolades with Oregon, including the Defensive Freshman of the Year award in 2019 and the Morris Trophy and Pac-12 Football Championship Game MVP in 2020. He was also unanimously voted as an All-American in his final season in 2021.

Last Year’s Stats

Thibodeaux had modest counting stats in 2022. Still, he made a strong enough impression that he finished fourth in the Defensive Rookie of the Year voting.

TACKLES

SK: 4.0
COMB: 49
SOLO: 33
AST: 16
TFL: 6
QB HITS: 13
SFTY: 0

FUMBLES

FF: 2
FMB: 0
FR: 2
YDS: 1
TD: 1

These NFL stats are modest but offer a glimpse of Thibodeaux’s impact. He can hit opposing quarterbacks and create turnovers, which lead to NFL scores. He’s also physical and will leave a mark if and when he gets to his target.

His coverage stats (not listed) are a bit lacking as he had just five passes defended with no interceptions. But as he grows into his role, expect Kayvon Thibodeaux’s stats to improve.

Giants Need Thibodeaux To Level Up

If Thibodeaux’s progression matches his passion, he could be a force in his second season. The Giants finished 17th in scoring defense in 2022 despite having a mediocre passing defense. The team had the second-fewest interceptions and allowed the third-most first-down completions. An improved pass rush to generate more pressure could mitigate these flaws. Thibodeaux will be among the leaders in this area.

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