Owa Odighizuwa

The Giants appear to have big plans for Owa Odighizuwa.

(Saed Hindash | NJ Advance Media)

EAST RUTHERFORD - Every time Justin Tuck sees Steve Spagnuolo, he reminds his former defensive coordinator with the Giants.

"You gave me an opportunity to play every position on the defensive side of the ball except [safety]," says Tuck, who retired earlier this year.

Tuck's versatility was key to a successful career that produced two Pro Bowls and two Super Bowls in 10 seasons after being a third-round pick out of Notre Dame. He was a defensive end who moved around the field, which is why current Giants defensive end Owa Odighizuwa wants to talk with him this summer.

"I definitely on plan on talking to Tuck, kind of get tips from him and see what made him successful inside [as a pass rusher]," Odighizuwa said. "I'll have that opportunity."

Odighizuwa, last year's third-round pick, had an eye-opening spring. Spagnuolo has plans to use the versatile defensive end in ways similar to Tuck, particularly as a pass-rushing defensive tackle.

When the Giants practiced throughout the spring, it wasn't uncommon to see Odighizuwa on the interior, working alongside defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins in nickel (pass-rushing) defenses.

"This spring has really been getting a better understanding of the defense, day in and day out," Odighizuwa said. "I'm moving around, doing different things. Sometimes I'm dropping at our 'Joker' position. Sometimes I'm rushing from that position [as a linebacker]. Sometimes I'm at defensive end. Sometimes I'm rushing from tackle. So just trying to get those nuances down and whenever I'm in those positions, understanding the details of those positions."

Even more than Tuck, Odighizuwa's role may be similar to how the Giants used defensive end/linebacker Mathias Kiwanuka.

Odighizuwa is just happy to be part of the Giants plans. His rookie season was ruined by injuries. He appeared in four games, and was not activated for the finale despite being eligible, practicing and declaring himself healthy. He finished the season on injured reserve without a real opportunity to show what he could do.

Now, the Giants are set at defensive end. They signed Olivier Vernon and re-signed Jason Pierre-Paul this offseason to be their starters. Odighizuwa is next in line, so Spagnuolo and new coach Ben McAdoo came up with an alternative plan this offseason.

Some of it is new to Odighizuwa. He rushed from the interior and different spots at UCLA, but said he wasn't used in coverage. He did most of his damage from the edge, where here is more room and space to maneuverer and pick up speed.

The interior is a different challenge.

"It's definitely different than being a defensive end. Being a D-end you have a little more space to work with and being inside, everything kind of happens a little bit quicker," Odighizuwa said.

In addition to working out at UCLA this summer with Vikings' Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks, Odighizuwa will reach out to Tuck, who recently retired and knows Spagnuolo and a little something about being used all over the field. Odighizuwa believes it helped to watch veteran defensive end Robert Ayers (now with the Bucs) have success as an interior rusher last season.

Now, it's Odighizuwa's turn, if that is what it takes to get on the field. The feedback he received this spring has been positive, and he expects the experiment to continue into training camp and the preseason.

"I'm just embracing it," Odighizuwa said. "I just want to get on the field and be as productive as I can. That is my goal."

Jordan Raanan may be reached at jraanan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JordanRaanan. Find NJ.com Giants on Facebook.