New York Giants rookie Kayvon Thibodeaux turning heads in training camp
We’ll see what happens when the meaningful games start, but so far through the start of training camp, the consensus message coming out of the New York Giants’ organization is that Kayvon Thibodeaux is living up to the hype.
After so much negativity surrounded his pre-draft process, the Giants made him the fifth overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft without much hesitation. Thibodeaux showed up to camp ready to work, and has impressed his coaches so far.
“The guy works. He’s smart,” Giants defensive line coach Bryan Cox said on Tuesday, according to team reporter Matt Citak. “Guys gravitate to him. He’s kind of a jokester. He’s a lot of different things; he isn’t just one thing…. Showing great promise, and I’m not going to try to predict what he’s going to be or not be. Working really hard, doing a really nice job. His personality is really good because he’s versatile. He can do a lot of different things. He can have a lot of different conversations. I mean, he’s a well-rounded kid. And I think his playing is going to speak for itself.”
Art Stapleton, a Giants beat writer for The Record in New Jersey, shared on Monday that Thibodeaux was listed as a starter on defense in the Giants’ first unofficial depth chart—the only rookie on the top line of the defense.
Giants released their first unofficial depth chart and three rookies are listed as offensive starters – Wan'Dale Robinson, Evan Neal and Daniel Bellinger – and a fourth rookie – Kayvon Thibodeaux – on defense.
— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) August 8, 2022
Here’s what other observers have had to say about the former Oregon standout:
Kayvon Thibodeaux is going to be an absolute PROBLEM off the edge as a rookie 🔥 pic.twitter.com/dZzl2Uhyc5
— Alex Wilson (@AlexWilsonESM) August 3, 2022
Kayvon Thibodeaux just destroyed Evan Neal. #TogetherBlue pic.twitter.com/MF4bpHH7zb
— Gmen Update (@GmenUpdate) August 5, 2022
This is only the second #Giants practice I've seen, but Kayvon Thibodeaux has undeniably stood out both days. Some of it might have to do with #NYG issues on OL, but he seems to routinely be around the QB.
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) August 5, 2022
Kayvon Thibodeaux drew a hold and was in the backfield consistently during Friday’s Fan Fest scrimmage. Has been doing that regularly past few practices. Rookie is a problem with his pass rush arsenal and first step.
“He’s tough to block,” coach Brian Daboll said of No. 5 pick.
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) August 6, 2022
Kayvon Thibodeaux has been worth every bit of the fifth overall pick so far for the Giants as he has been reportedly ‘unblockable’ thus far into camp. pic.twitter.com/UlncBSpAXV
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) August 8, 2022
Kayvon Thibodeaux is in the backfield on almost every play #Giants
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) August 7, 2022
After all the BS that came out about Kayvon Thibodeaux pre-draft, the response from Wink Martindale today regarding his growth and mentality is awesome to hear #NYG pic.twitter.com/oXezpXu7MK
— Alex Wilson (@AlexWilsonESM) August 8, 2022
“Has a little bit of Khalil Mack in him as he can hit his best moves low in full speed, which is really unique to do.”- Giants OL Jon Feliciano on Kayvon Thibodeaux. pic.twitter.com/8QMHOgURA2
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) August 8, 2022
Giants OLB Coach Drew Wilkins talking about the detail that and effort Kayvon Thibodeaux puts in to getting better every day pic.twitter.com/82mYumD0x8
— Talkin’ Giants (@TalkinGiants) August 9, 2022
Evan Neal’s scouting report on Kayvon: “What you see is what you get with him. He’s a pass rusher.” He doesn’t have just one move. He works speed to power.
— Dan Salomone (@Dan_Salomone) August 9, 2022