What We Learned: Azeez Ojulari ‘gives you a lot of versatility’

2. Ojulari ‘gives you a lot of versatility’

A big storyline throughout the first few weeks of training camp has been who will win the spot next to Dexter Lawrence along the defensive line. We know that Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux will be the two starters on the edge, but the position on the interior next to Lawrence has been up for grabs all summer. On Thursday, defensive coordinator Shane Bowen discussed a new possibility for that spot on the defensive line, telling the media that there’s a chance outside linebacker Azeez Ojulari could be a factor in some packages following a solid start to the summer.

“I think he’s been consistent,” Bowen said about the fourth-year edge rusher. “Like I think he’s flashed throughout camp each day. There’s usually a play or two where I’m like, ‘Okay, that’s a great play.’ That’s something I’ve been pleased with him about is just the progression and being able to be the same guy every day. Again, when you get to those passing situations, it’s finding the best four, whoever that is and however we got to coordinate it, to be able to get to the quarterback. He gives you a lot of versatility in that regard.

“I think (Brian) Burns gives you some versatility. KT (Kayvon Thibodeaux) gives you some versatility in that regard. It’s just a matter of where you place them. If you’ve got three edge guys on the field, well there’s only two edges. So, it’s where you place them. That’s something we’ll kind of work through as a staff as, again, some of these personnel decisions unfold with the front guys as well.”

Speaking of Thibodeaux, it’s clear that the third-year edge rusher has a big fan in Shane Bowen.

“The one thing I’ve noticed with Kayvon is he’s working hard to improve,” said the defensive coordinator. “I think he wants to take that next step, it’s not just us. We’re going to continue to push him, but I think consistently you felt him a little bit more out there each day. I haven’t seen many lull days from him, but it hasn’t really been the roller coaster ride. He’s done a good job accepting the challenge and accepting the way we want those guys to play, the play style, what’s involved with that position and the expectation (Outside Linebackers Coach) Charlie (Bullen) has for that position and I have for that position. I’ve coached that position. I think he’s done a good job accepting that and he’s working hard and there’s been improvement.”

3. Simmons has ‘continued to improve’

One of the most intriguing players on the defense is Isaiah Simmons. The versatile defender lined up all over the defense in his first season with the Giants last year, and through the first few weeks of training camp, the 26-year-old has done more of the same. Defensive coordinator Shane Bowen was asked about Simmons’ positional versatility on Thursday and talked about how the talented defender has been working as both a linebacker and in the slot, noting he’s performed well in both spots.

“He’s done a good job,” said defensive coordinator Shane Bowen. “I think he’s played a little sub-backer for us in some of those passing situations. He’s been inside on early downs for us. I think he’s continued to improve and find some comfort in the places that we’ve put him up to this point. I’ve been pleased with him so far throughout camp.

“I have seen growth from him. I have. To be in some unfamiliar positions at times, especially out there on early downs, I think he’s done a good job of kind of understanding, being able to turn the page and progress in his understanding, not just only his role. I’ve been encouraged by him and hopefully that continues.”

Simmons appears to be in the mix to see some playing time in the slot this season, which should not come as a big surprise following his success in coverage last year. Opposing quarterbacks had a 77.2 passer rating when targeting Simmons last year, as he finished the season as one of Pro Football Focus’ top linebackers in coverage in 2023.