Bobby Okereke and Micah McFadden Give Giants Stability at Linebacker

The New York Giants have many positions needing an upgrade. Linebacker is not one of them.

As the New York Giants move on from a 6-11 season, they will undoubtedly look for ways to improve their roster this offseason. After a season that saw many injuries and players who underperformed, New York has more than a few positions that could use retooling as they turn their attention to next season.

Much will be made this offseason about just which positions the Giants should prioritize this offseason. The linebacker positions occupied by Bobby Okereke and Micah McFadden are a position group on New York's roster that could use minor additions but not a major overhaul. Both players had productive seasons for the Giants. 

Okereke joined the Giants last offseason after spending the first four seasons with the Indianapolis Colts. In his first season in New York, Okereke led the team with 149 tackles while starting all 17 games. 

Okereke played 100 percent of the team's defensive snaps this season. He would finish the season with a career-high in sacks, passes defended, and interceptions. He was three tackles away from a career-high in tackles as well. 

Oct 15, 2023; Orchard Park, New York, USA; New York Giants linebacker Micah McFadden (41) celebrates with teammates after making an interception in the second quarter at Highmark Stadium / Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

It was the second time in the last three seasons Okereke started all 17 games. He has only missed one start in that time frame, proving he can be a dependable player for the Giants and could very well be their middle linebacker of the future. 

Next to Okereke this season was a younger but nearly just as dependable player in linebacker Micah McFadden. It was McFadden's second season with the team after the Giants selected him in the fifth round of the NFL Draft two offseasons ago. 

McFadden would step in to replace the often-injured Azeez Ojulari and start 14 games for the Giants this season. He would go on to play in 65 percent of the team's defensive snaps, in addition to another 35 percent of the team's special teams snaps this season. 

McFadden routinely showed he can play well, especially alongside the veteran Okereke. McFadden finished third on the team in tackles this season with 97 total tackles and did so without starting in three games.

While the Giants would be wise to consider adding to most positions on their roster, including linebacker, the combination of Okereke and McFadden has the potential to work out well for New York. 

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