Kayvon Thibodeaux is facing the dreaded effort concerns heading into the NFL Draft, but the former Oregon star is not letting the talk get him down.
ESPN’s Todd McShay shared an unflattering report about Thibodeaux while covering the Senior Bowl this week. McShay said he has been told the defensive end “doesn’t play with the same fire as some other top prospects.” You can read the full comments here.
Thibodeaux took note of the report and responded on Twitter. The 21-year-old said he only needs to believe in himself.
Believe in yourself, even if you’re the only one💯🤷🏽♂️ https://t.co/YpFZarHgNQ
— Kayvon Thibodeaux (@kayvont) February 6, 2022
Thibodeaux has been considered by many to be the best defensive player and perhaps overall prospect in the country. Both McShay and ESPN colleague Mel Kiper Jr. projected a year ago that Thibodeaux would be the first overall pick in 2022.
It’s possible that a team is planting negative information about Thibodeaux in hopes that he slips to them in the draft. Or, teams may not be as high on him as they once were. Some within NFL circles may have been bothered by the way Thibodeaux came off in a recent interview.
Thibodeaux had 49 tackles and seven sacks last season for the Ducks. He had 19 sacks in 30 career games.
Photo: Oct 15, 2021; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) warms-up with players before play California Golden Bears at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports
