No motor? Character problems? Kaivon Thibodeau bears the brunt of the NFL Draft, but why? Sky Sports’ Cameron Hogwood discusses issues surrounding Oregon’s polarizing pass rusher.
There is always one. And Caivon Thibodeaux seems to be that “one” consensus when we scrutinize, turn the stone, and overthink the 2022 NFL Draft.
Rewinding the clock to last spring, devastating pre-Aidan Hutchinson clinics, winning fronts in the Georgia National Championship of Search and Destroy, and Oregon’s stellar lead was – in some minds unequivocally – the No. 1 pick in anticipation. At least the top five.
He made nine sacks, 35 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and three pass defenses in 13 games as the 2019 Pac-12 Defensive Freshman of the Year, followed by three sacks, 42 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and three defenses against pass at seven. games of the truncated Covid campaign of 2020.
The bulldozer’s length, instant breakaway, and power to blast plays were best in class, while any minor chinks in its armor, namely underdeveloped use of the arms, were considered fit for next level training.
As we enter draft month, not only does this position seem to have been scrapped, but Thibodeau has found his top 10 accomplishments taking shrapnel from all angles. Sometimes anonymous, often unsubstantiated, weak shrapnel explaining one’s opinion that got through some and ended up in your social media feed.
“The funniest thing I’ve heard is that I’m not the best player in this draft. I don’t really listen to anything anymore, but this to me, this is outrageous. With film, with numbers, and what I can do to the best of my ability, I’m sure I can.”
Thibodeau speaks to reporters at his Pro Day on 1 April.
Spend some time watching the movie and you may find yourself wondering how and why. Maybe not, but that’s the point – make a decision.
A single college season could change the landscape of the draft: Former understudy Joe Burrow could work his way out of an afterthought beyond Justin Herbert and Tua Tagovailoa as a new NFL fan; most recently, Spencer Rattler, who is predicted to make it to the first round, could have a bad season that will see him face something like the rest with a new program; Hutchinson could advance to likely No. 1 pick with a 2021 breakthrough at Michigan; Zach Wilson or Trey Lance can overtake Justin Field, despite the fact that their combined sample size of living evidence is much smaller.
Sometimes he lives up to expectations, sometimes he can distort the opinion. This is very similar to the last one.
Thibodeau’s situation bears some resemblance to that of former Miami pass rusher Gregory Russo, who moved to the Buffalo Bills last year in 30th overall and was named in the top five 12 months ago. Penay Sewell was hailed as the next generation offensive player before being faced with pedantic assessments of whether he advanced enough despite the significant lead he had earned himself, and even this year, Notre Dame guard Kyle Hamilton is the best player in the entire class for some saw his stock questioned in light of the wobbly 40-yard dash, resulting in a less brilliant time than others in his position.
