Skip to main content
New York Giants homepage
Advertising

Giants News | New York Giants – Giants.com

Mailbag: Azeez Ojulari, offensive play-calling 

NYG_Mailbag_GENERICS_1920x1080_6

Abe In New York: Do you think Azeez Ojulari will be able to hit the ground running or will it take him some time to acclimate to the NFL?

John Schmeelk: It takes all rookies time to figure out the NFL, especially edge rushers, who may need a couple of seasons to reach their potential. The difference in the offensive tackles they faced in college, even coming from the the SEC, is stark. Ojulari has an NFL-ready body and he was a productive pass rusher in college with a good motor. So, you could expect some flash plays from him this season, but be careful expecting a double-digit sack performance.

Travis in New York: With a young, athletic offensive line, will Jason Garrett use a more screen-friendly playbook this year, especially with what Saquon Barley can do and the addition of Kadarius Toney?

John Schmeelk: You could see the Giants incorporating more screen passes. Effectively running a screen is wholly dependent on whether the offensive line can execute those plays, which takes chemistry and a level of nuance that comes with a unit gaining a lot of experience playing together. If the offensive line shows they can execute the plays, the Giants have two players who are dynamic in open spaces – Barkley and Toney – and could be extremely effective in the screen game. Screens can also help slow down the opposing pass rush.

Bobby in New York: Are there are players deep on the depth chart who could surprise by taking an established player's roster spot?

John Schmeelk: It would be surprising to see roster moves like the ones you are describing. This roster has progressed and improved to the point where we probably know more of the players who will be on the final 53-man roster right now than we have known at this time of the year for several years. We have a good idea of which players on the roster Judge believes in and the type of players he wants. Dave Gettleman has focused on acquiring good fits.

Chris in New York: Elerson Smith wore No. 47 at Northern Iowa, so why couldn't he keep the same number with the Giants instead of switching to No. 58?

John Schmeelk: There's often no significance to early offseason numbers. There is a very good chance that some rookies might have different numbers by the time the regular season starts (after the team reduces its roster).

Home_Schedule 1920x700

Single Game Tickets

A limited number of Giants 2021 single game tickets are on sale now

Related Content

Advertising