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New York Giants defensive end Robert Ayers couldn't contain his enthusiasm on Wednesday when talking about rookie defensive end Owamagbe Odighizuwa, the Giants' third-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft.
"He's like clockwork almost. He's understanding the defense. Once he fine tunes his technique and understands the game and understands how to attack offenses and what they're trying to do to him with formations and things like that that dude's gonna be a monster," Ayers said.
Scouts were uncertain about Odighizuwa coming out of UCLA. He had a pair of hip surgeries and played as a 3-4 defensive end where his job was to contain, not necessarily to pressure. During training camp, Odighizuwa has been giving Giants' right tackles fits with his burst off the edge.
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Ayers, in fact, was complementary of several of the Giants' young defensive linemen after Tuesday's workout vs. the Cincinnati Bengals, calling their work "inspiring."
"I was very proud of the young guys. I was very proud of Damontre [Moore], I was very proud of Jay Bromley and Carlif [Taylor] and Owa. Those guys were impressive, in my opinion," Ayers said.
"It's a good sign for this unit."
Of Moore, Ayers said the third-year defensive end has "brought his ‘A' game. He's listening, he's learning, he's improving."
With Jason Pierre-Paul remaining in limbo following his Fourth of July fireworks accident, common perception is that the Giants are in trouble at defensive end. The team has been steadfast is saying they believes that with the veterans Ayers and George Selvie, along with youngsters Kerry Wynn, Odighizuwa and Moore that they have enough talent.
Ayers' enthusiasm is enough to make you think the latter opinion might be right.