10 Most Indispensable New York Giants: No. 8 is a Newcomer

New inside linebacker Bobby Okereke's versatility and ability against the run make him an asset the Giants cannot afford to lose.

Who are the most indispensable New York Giants players? The Giants Country editorial team took a vote and ranked its top 10, which we are counting down on our way to the start of training camp.

Bobby Okereke, ILB

Height: 6-foot-1 | Weight: 235 lbs.
College: Stanford | NFL Exp: 4 Years
Career Stats: 49 stats, 420 tackles, 15 TFL, 3 Ints, 4 FF, 5 FR.

For years, the New York Giants have searched for a long-term answer at inside linebacker. They've tried a variety of players at the position, but none have been able to consistently anchor the defense. In 2023, they believe they have finally found their man in Bobby Okereke.

Okereke is a versatile linebacker who can do a little bit of everything. He's a good run defender who can also hold his own in coverage. He's also a solid blitzer who can get after the quarterback. In 2022, he had a career-high 151 tackles, including 99 solo tackles. He also had six tackles for loss, two sacks, and five passes defensed.

Okereke's versatility is what makes him so valuable. He can play in a variety of defensive schemes, and he's able to make plays all over the field. He's also a very smart player who is always in the right position.

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TOP 10 INDISPENSABLE PLAYER COUNTDOWN

No. 10: Kayvon Thibodeaux | No. 9: Leonard Williams

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Why He’s Indispensable

An effective Wink Martindale defense is predicated on three things. The first is defensive backs that can cover man-to-man for much of a game. The second is edge rushers, that can get to the quarterback regularly and disrupt an offense's rhythm.

The last is a middle linebacker who can run sideline to sideline and fill gaps effectively so that the defense can neutralize a rushing attack. That is exactly what Okereke brings to this team. His addition should clean up the deficiencies that plagued this defense in 2022.

What Happens if He’s Missing?

Even with Okereke, there are still a lot of questions about who the other linebackers will be to play beside him. Losing him would be a massive loss and would essentially put the Giants back in the same position they were in last season, where they used a lot of nickel and dime packages to mask their inconsistent linebacker play.

It would also result in teams believing once again that no matter how good their defensive line is if the linebacker quality is not up to par, it can be run on. Okereke must be on the field for the Giants, doing what he's done for Indianapolis in the past.

Final Thoughts

The Giants' defense has struggled in recent years, especially against the run, and Okereke is the type of player who can help turn that around. He's a difference-maker who can make plays that will hopefully change the outcome of games. He's also a great leader who will help the younger players on the Giants defense grow and develop.

The Giants hope that Okereke will be the missing piece they've been searching for at inside linebacker. He has all the tools to be a star in the NFL, and he's a perfect fit for the Giants defense. If he stays healthy, he will be a force for years.

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