Owa Odighizuwa to New York Giants: Full Draft-Pick Breakdown

Whether he meant to tip the team's hand or not, New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin made no secret of his desire to see the team add talent to both sides of the pit.

His wish was granted, as a day after adding offensive tackle Ereck Flowers with the ninth overall pick, the Giants added defensive end Owa Odighizuwa out of UCLA.

Odighizuwa, who missed the 2013 season after having two separate hip surgeries, rebounded in 2014 as the Bruins' weak-side pass-rusher, recording 61 tackles (41 solo), including 11.5 tackles for loss, five pass breakups and 6.0 sacks.

"

New York football Giants! I promise to give you everything I have from the day I step foot in the state of NY.

— owamagbe (@LPJ_Odighizuwa) May 2, 2015"

He finished his career having played in 51 games with 21 starts and recording 136 tackles (24.5 for loss), two forced fumbles, eight passes defensed and 12.5 sacks.

While Odighizuwa admitted that his prior medical issues might have caused his stock to tumble, Giants general manager Jerry Reese didn't seem too concerned.

"We talked about that, but our doctors think he’s fine and they cleared him, so we picked him," he said. "That definitely was a concern for us, but he has no restrictions at this point."

Reese spoke enthusiastically about Odighizuwa’s character and his thirst for knowledge when it comes to the game. 

"He really blew us away in the interview process at the combine. With the video stuff, he knew all the schemes and where people lined up and played," Reese said. "He was impressive that way."

When it came to the football stuff, Reese was quick to shoot down a suggestion that the team was taking a flier on Odighizuwa, pointing out how former defensive end Justin Tuck—also a third-round pick—worked out well for the Giants.

"We're hoping that [Odighizuwa] can be in that same mold to come in and, like Justin started out, play a lot on special teams and develop into a really good player," Reese said.

Including against the run, which was a problem on the edges for the Giants defense last year?

"I think he equally plays the run and plays the pass. I think he’s a good player both ways," Reese said. "I'm not sure what his top skill is. His compete and his effort is what his top skill will be until he really learns how to hone his skills and play the type of technique that we like up here for the New York Giants."

Odighizuwa, who patiently sat waiting for his name to be called, was very emotional when his phone finally rang and he heard Coughlin on the other end.

"I was definitely very emotional, just finally getting my name called to be living out my dream and working and playing professional football," Odighizuwa said.

Odighizuwa believes his versatility will give defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo a variety of options regarding how he is used.

"Honestly, I think I can play anywhere the coaches want me to play, whether it's strong-side or weak-side defensive end or even rushing as a 3-technique on passing downs," Odighizuwa said.

"I think my versatility and what I bring to the table is upside for what the coach wants for the defense and for the team."

Coughlin agreed, noting that the possibilities regarding the use of Odighizuwa's talent are many.

"We think he can rush from the inside or the outside. We think he can play certainly a 9 and a 6-I on first and second down," he said. "I am not sure he will be a 5-technique. He is fast and can play on special teams. He will be a contributor that way. He gives us that force that could be a left-end."

Patricia Traina covers the Giants for Inside Football, the Journal Inquirer and Sports Xchange. All quotes and information were obtained firsthand unless otherwise sourced. 

Follow @Patricia_Traina