Shane Bowen wasn't with the Giants when they were evaluating all prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft. In other words, Bowen had nothing to do with the selection of outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeau, the No. 5 overall pick that year.
As their first season together comes to a close, Bowen doesn't exactly see Thibodeau making leaps and bounds in developing as a defender.
Thibodeau has three sacks and 22 tackles in 10 games.
He had five forced fumbles in his first two seasons, but zero this season.
He started the first five games, missed five consecutive games with a broken wrist, but returned to play in the last five games.
“Obviously he missed a lot of time there in the middle of the year,” Bowen said. If you get hurt, you're put on the shelf forever. But I'm happy with the way he's progressed and what he's recorded here in recent weeks. And really last week I thought it was probably one of his better games flying around and playing physical. And he did something really good for us. ”
Thibodeau, 23, is eligible for a contract extension, but it's unlikely that will happen due to his inability to finish a strong season from a production standpoint — he has 11.5 sacks in 2023. was.
The Giants will have to decide this spring whether to exercise Thibodeau's fifth-year option, which guarantees him an estimated $16 million for the 2026 season.
WR Malik Nabors needs nine receptions with two games remaining to set a rookie NFL record.
Puka Nacua set a record with 105 receptions in 2023.
Raiders tight end Brock Bowers has 101 receptions, so Neighbors, who has 97 receptions, could be broken by another rookie.
Nabors is suffering from a toe injury and is listed as questionable to play.
“I don't know because Brock is right in front of me,” Neighbors said. “I'm going to do everything I can to achieve my goals, but if my body doesn't allow it, I have to focus on my future, put this behind me and keep trying to be even better next year.”
The expectation on Sunday is for LB Deyontae Johnson to make his NFL debut against the Colts.
Johnson spent the 2023 season on the practice squad and was named to the original 53-man roster before going on injured reserve with an ankle injury.
“It's definitely going to take a long time,” said Johnson, who joined the team as an undrafted rookie out of Toledo in 2023. “Just going through that process to make sure I'm ready to go whenever my number is called. “I was there,” he said.
Johnson, who is undrafted out of Toledo, should play a role on special teams.
The Giants are short on inside linebacker, with Micah McFadden (neck) out and Bobby Okereke (back) on injured reserve, so Johnson will be replaced by rookies Darius Muasau and Ty Summers. He could also get some snaps on defense.
