Jets head coach Robert Saleh famously said after the first round of the NFL Draft that Gang Green got three guys in their top eight, savvy for a team picking fourth, tenth, and trading up into the mid-20s.
Well, as it turns out, the Giants wanted an edge rusher and a tackle in the first round at five and seven, and they, too, got their top pick at one spot.
“As a defensive coach, you want every pick to be a defensive player, but Kayvon was Drew’s No. 1 guy – Drew Wilkins, the outside linebacker coach – and he was my number one guy coming out of the process,” Giants defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale said during Giants OTAs on Thursday. “I've loved him since day one.”
Thibodeaux’s skill set seems to perfectly fit the havoc that Martindale’s multiple-scheme defenses can provide, and Martindale is excited to see him on the field.
“Just all his different flexibilities and the way we can use him in the scheme and his pass rush ability,” Martindale said. “He's a bright, very football-smart kid that has a lot of aspirations and goals, and don't we all want our kids to have aspirations and goals.”
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Hopefully, it translates into a successful rookie season.
“We’re excited,” Martindale said. “He is going to be a lot of fun to be around.”
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