INDIANAPOLIS — When BJ Ojulari had the chance to team up with his brother in college, he instead set up his own recruiting path from Georgia to LSU.
But if the Giants decide to use BJ’s first-round draft pick to reunite Ojularis, he’ll welcome the chance to follow in Aziz’s footsteps and become a quarterback.
Aziz (13.5 sacks in 24 career games) and last year’s first-round pick Kayvon Thibodeau (4 sacks) could benefit from using another stud in the rotation outside the linebackers.
“We’ve always talked about it,” BJ said at the NFL Combine on Wednesday. I hope we can get the upper hand.”
The Giants retain the 25th pick in the late first-round division where BJ is projected to be selected, and this week is one of 45 official interviews about the younger brother of the 2021 second-round pick. used.
If BJ was ready to make the best impression, there’s a good reason for it.
“I rely heavily on Aziz. He’s been through the same process. He’s the level I’m trying to achieve,” BJ said. He sent me a few texts stating who was there and what to expect.The interview went very smoothly.”
BJ’s confidence seems fitting on a defense where coordinator Wink Martindale and outside linebacker coach Drew Wilkins make big personalities.
“I don’t say a lot of crap,” said BJ. “I like to let my game do the talking. I like to control you. After all, you don’t have to talk crap. When you go to bed at night, you’ll be thinking of me.” .”
Ocularis share DNA, but not the same skill set.
“We have some similarities, but I don’t think we play the same style of play,” said Von Miller, who favors the speed, long arms and “ghost rush” moves. said BJ. “Aziz is more like a striking, a bulldozer. I use more speed moves, swipes, whatever he can, but that’s just not his style.”
A scout familiar with both brothers told the Post that he appreciated Aziz and worried that BJ was “a little stiff” and could struggle to set an edge against the run. He said he made a statement.
“My style of play is based on a lot of effort,” said BJ. “Playing sideline to sideline. Chasing stuff. Putting a certain strain on the ball is something I’m proud of.”
BJ has had a more productive college pass rushing career (22.5 sacks in 31 games) and is next looking to be Azeez’s top draft spot (50th).
Aziz, who declined an interview request, surprisingly pulled out of the first round over knee injury concerns and was deterred by three unrelated injuries during his second season, but he made it to the NFL when he was healthy. He is one of the most efficient pass rushers in the game.
“Everything we’ve grown up with has been competitive,” said BJ. “We were playing video games and we were always butting heads. I think that brought us closer together. He is now my best friend and one of my greatest mentors.”
The Ojulari brothers are grandchildren of Nigerian royalty, Prince Twin Seven Seven. The late painter and musician made memories by visiting his grandchildren in Georgia. For example, we ate grapes together and he got $100.
“Being able to meet his expectations is a source of pride for me,” BJ said. “I’m grateful for the relationship we had before he died.”
Another family relationship is now profitable.
“Aziz told me to take as much knowledge as possible from this experience and enjoy the moment I am in,” said BJ. “Going to the next level, he already said it’s still a football game after you get used to the speed.”
