The New York Giants will continue their pre-draft workout and pre-draft visit circuit on Thursday when they host Penn State linebacker Jesse Luketa.
Retired Washington Commanders linebacker and current Draft Network analyst, Ryan Fowler, was the first to report the news.
Penn State EDGE Jesse Luketa has multiple NFC East visits scheduled this week.
He’ll visit the Giants tomorrow, then Eagles on Friday, per source.
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) April 6, 2022
Jordan Schultz adds that it will be a local visit, not a top-30 visit.
#Eagles’ visit for Jesse Luketa is a top 30 visit, while the #Giants’ is local, source says.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 6, 2022
The Giants obviously have several needs at linebacker and along the edge, and Luketa does provide some level of versatility.
Here’s what NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein had to say about Luketa:
Team-first leader who plays every snap like his hair is on fire. Luketa is self-made and known for putting in the work necessary to go from Ottawa tough guy to productive, two-year starter in the Big Ten. He won’t blink in the face of physical challenges, using his leverage and power to hold his ground or come out on top. He lacks instincts and pursuit speed and is best suited as a 4-3 Sam linebacker but his lone season as a 4-3 end could have 3-4 teams exploring his potential as a developmental outside linebacker. No matter the scheme, Luketa’s toughness and talent should make him a good backup or low-end starter with the ability to shine on special teams as early as his rookie season.
Most mock drafts have Luketa going in either Round 4 or Round 5, but his stock has risen considerably since January. Teams view him as a potentially high ceiling guy, but one who needs a significant amount of development.