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New York Giants Select Youngstown State Edge Rusher Avery Moss 167th In 2017 NFL Draft

By Kenneth Teape

Jan 21, 2017; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; West Team defensive end Avery Moss (90) rushes as East Team offensive tackle Dan Skipper (70) blocks during the second quarter of the East-West Shrine Game at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2017; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; West Team defensive end Avery Moss (90) rushes as East Team offensive tackle Dan Skipper (70) blocks during the second quarter of the East-West Shrine Game at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Giants selected edge rusher Avery Moss out of Youngstown State with the 167th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.

The New York Giants have bolstered their pass rush with their fifth round. With the 23rd pick in the fifth round and 167th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Giants selected Youngstown State edge rusher, Avery Moss.

It is a surprising pick for a few reasons, one of them being his past. After the disaster that was the Josh Brown situation, it would surprise no one should the Giants avoid prospects with a checkered past. Moss has one, as he was dismissed from Nebraska because of an off-field incident.

Moss has grown from the incident. He was not shy about talking about the incident and had to undergo counseling. He ended up at Youngstown State, where Bo Pelini took the second chance on him. Pelini was at Nebraska when Moss was there and he made the most of his second opportunity.

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Moss was not rated as highly as his teammate Derek Rivers, who was selected by the New England Patriots in the third round. But, Moss was productive in his own right at Youngstown State.

In his first season as a start in 2016, he registered 11 sacks. He has some skill to become a pass rusher at the next level, but will need to improve his technique and try adding more quickness and speed. It is one thing to dominate the competition at smaller schools; doing it at the highest level in the NFL is another thing.

Moss also contributes well in run defense. He has a great height-weight-speed combination that helps in pursuing ball carriers. His long arms and upper body strength also help as well.

Moss is a good fit in the Giants defensive scheme. ESPN believes that he works best with his hand in the dirt, which he will be able to do with the Giants in their 4-3 base defense. He should add some much-needed depth to the Giants defensive line, which is lacking behind Jason Pierre-Paul and Olivier Vernon.

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Moss has the tools to develop into a good backup, a rotational defensive end. That is what the Giants need, and you will take that from a fifth round pick. If he develops into more, that is even better. He obviously has talent, as he began his career at Nebraska. The Giants are hoping that he can continue his development and realize some of his pass rushing potential.

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