2016 NFL Draft: Can the Giants find a spot for Victor Ochi?

The New York Giants desperately need a pass rush. Over the years, GM Jerry Reese has tried to find a pass rush specialist for the defense, however -- for various reasons -- none have worked out.

With only two viable edge rushers under contract -- Owa Odighizuwa and Devon Kennard -- the Giants will have to address their pass rush in free agency as well as the draft. Depending on how the draft shakes out, they may even find themselves investing multiple picks in their pass rush.

Victor Ochi, who's Stony Brook Seawolves teammate has made history with the Giants, is generating a lot of attention at Shrine Game practices for his disruptive play. Could he be worth a draft choice for the Giants?

Measurables

Height: 6-1

Weight: 244

40 Time: 4.74 (projected)

Pros

• Relentless pass rusher. Never seems to give up on the play and will pursue runs clear across the field
• Good get-off. Explodes out of his stance and shows the ability to bend the edge
• Uses his compact frame to jolt blockers and plays bigger than his listed size
• Dominated his level of competition

Cons

• Undersized "tweener" prospect who looks more like a 34 rush linebacker than a defensive end, but he's shorter than average there as well
• Generally patient and aware, but once he commits, his aggression can occasionally get him in trouble
• Level of competition is a concern. How he matches up against stiffer competition at the Shrine Game will be telling

Prospect Video

Big Board Rankings

CBS - 257th overall

Does He Fit with The Giants?

This question largely depends on scheme. Will Steve Spagnuolo use a hybrid defense (a la the Seattle Seahawks)? He used a 3-4 set at times in 2015 to create different looks and matchups.

If he does either, or builds on the concepts, then Ochi certainly has a place on the Giants defense.

The Giants wanted to use Damontre Moore as a situational pass rusher, however he doesn't have the explosive athleticism to generate a pass rush out of thin air. If the Giants choose to go in that direction, a player like Ochi, who's compact and explosive play somewhat resembles a Jack Russell terrier, is a better choice to fill that role. His ability to rush from either a two or three point stance and explosiveness with natural leverage, could be difficult for tackles or tight ends to deal with after having to block the larger and more powerful ends the Giants typically field.

Final Thoughts

The Giants seem to have found a diamond in the rough in Stony Brook's TE/H-Back Will Tye. Could they do so again with Ochi? The Giants and Reese have never been shy about looking to smaller schools to find potential gems. But Ochi's performance throughout the week of practices leading up to the Shrine Game has raised his profile.

Having played at a school like Stony Brook will impact his draft stock, but Ochi is one of several players who could work their way up draft boards as the process rolls on.