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Giants Now: NFL.com predicts big leap for Kayvon Thibodeaux

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NFL.com predicts big leap for Kayvon Thibodeaux

NFL.com, in collaboration with Next Gen Stats, recently released a list of one player from each team poised to make a leap in 2023.

For the Giants, the choice was second-year outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux.

"Surface-level stats show that Thibodeaux managed to take down the quarterback just four times in 2023. However, traditional metrics don't tell the whole story here," wrote Next Gen Stats analyst Keegan Abdoo. "For instance, per Next Gen Stats, Thibodeaux tied for the 10th-most QB pressures (22) among edge rushers from Weeks 12 to 18 last season, helping him to finish the year with the second-most pressures (40) of any rookie (Aidan Hutchison was first with 45). With an offseason to study and improve his game, those pressures should translate into sacks sooner than later."

After missing the first two games of his rookie campaign, Thibodeaux went on to play the next 14 games. The 6-foot-5, 258-pound linebacker totaled 49 tackles (33 solo), four sacks, six tackles for loss, 13 quarterback hits, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, five passes defensed and one defensive touchdown.

Thibodeaux finished the season strong as three of his four sacks came in the final five games of the regular season. This led to him finishing fourth in the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year voting.

The 22-year-old flashed his potential during the Giants' Week 15 win over the Washington Commanders, a game that Thibodeaux dominated. The former Oregon Duck finished with 12 tackles (nine solo), a sack, three tackles for loss and a forced fumble which he recovered and returned for a touchdown.

Thibodeaux had another strong outing against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 12, where PFF had him down for nine total pressures, including five quarterback hits.

Earlier this summer, Giants legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Strahan told reporters he believes big things are in store for the second-year outside linebacker.

"This is a guy I know is going to be a great player for the Giants," Strahan told the New York Post at the Big Daddy Celebrity Golf Classic. "I know he has the work ethic, he has the desire and as much as you say 'He's outgoing, he talks, he does this,' the guy really works at it, and that's what I respect about him. It's not like he's just saying it and going off raw talent and ability. He's saying it because he believes it. Because he puts in the work to make it happen."

View the best photos of Giants outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux.

View the best photos of all the action at the Giants' 2023 training camp.

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