Giants receive credit for their smartest signing of the off-season
The New York Giants have had an intriguing off-season. Between extending quarterback Daniel Jones and trading for tight end Darren Waller, there have been plenty of depth moves for NY as well. On defense, their most important addition was at linebacker. The Giants signed one of the better, upcoming LBs in the league to fill […]
The New York Giants have had an intriguing off-season. Between extending quarterback Daniel Jones and trading for tight end Darren Waller, there have been plenty of depth moves for NY as well.
On defense, their most important addition was at linebacker.
The Giants signed one of the better, upcoming LBs in the league to fill a massive gap on their depth chart for defense.
Pro Football Focus named their favorite move by every team during this off-season. For the Giants, Brad Spielberger's top move was signing LB Bobby Okereke.
Okereke burst onto the scene with an impressive rookie season that saw him stand out in coverage, allowing just 28 receptions from 34 targets on 219 snaps in coverage.
However, 2020 and 2021 saw him struggle somewhat, with sub-60.0 PFF grades in both seasons, before a bounce-back year in 2022. This past season, his 53 defensive stops were tied for 12th amongst all players at the position.
Okereke will be a key contributor for New York.
Even further, the Giants now have less of a need to spend top draft capital on a LB. Accordingly, they should not take one with their first-round pick unless absolutely necessary due to talent falling.
Instead, address another massive need either at wide receiver, interior offensive line, or even cornerback in the first round. There will be worthy talent at one (or more) of those positions when they come onto the clock late in the first.
Then, New York should feel free to address LB in round three or four in order to add depth to the front seven.
It makes the most sense now for the Giants.
Okereke helps their roster construction in more ways than one.
