Did Giants Get Their Defensive Anchor in Bobby Okereke?

How will Bobby Okereke adapt to the New York Giants in 2023?

Bobby Okereke, ILB

Height: 6-foot-1 | Weight: 235 pounds
2022 Stats: 151 total tackles, 6 TFLs, 5 passes defended, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries

Bobby Okereke is one of the overlooked linebackers in the NFL and can step in and shut down their field area or match up with just about any tight end or running back in coverage. Whether it was at Stanford, in Indianapolis under Matt Eberflus, or Gus Bradley, Okereke has been asked to cover a range that few linebackers can handle, and he’s done that consistently.

The Giants bringing in Okereke showed that the organization is willing to invest in the linebacker room to prevent it from being the worst position group on the team for a second year. At just 26 years old, Okereke could be a long-term signing that could see a second contract in New York if things go according to plan.

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Best Case Scenario

My biggest concern when the Giants signed Okereke was that it likely meant Okereke would be asked to do things he hasn’t been asked to do much throughout his career and work as a pass-rusher. If he can find a way to be comfortable working as a blitzer, though, he could be in store for one of the best seasons we’ve seen from a linebacker anywhere in the NFL in years.

If Okereke isn’t used as a pass-rusher and the defense modernizes to include more quarters coverage and cover three, then Okereke gets to continue doing what he was asked to do for years in Indy in coverage but with more help from the pass-rush.

Worst Case Scenario

On the bright side, Okereke is talented enough that even the worst-case scenario (barring major injury) wouldn’t be that bad. At his worst, Okereke is still likely better than anybody else the Giants could put on the field with him at the other off-ball linebacker spot.

What to Expect in 2023

Okereke is one of the best cover linebackers in the NFL already but still has some room to grow in both man coverage and as a run defender. Luckily for Okereke - when playing linebacker, so much of doing your job depends on the defensive line in front of you, and the current roster gives him plenty of help up front.

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