Pro Football Focus has continued its offseason series of positional rankings and for the New York Giants, the swings remain substantial. Either they are ranked among the league’s best or among the league’s worst with nothing in between.
Those results stayed true to form earlier this week with PFF ranking their linebackers among the NFL’s bottom tier.
22. NEW YORK GIANTS
A season ago, Giants’’linebackers posted the second-worst overall grade in football at 35.8. It was a struggle all season for them in all facets. Their 43.2 run-defense grade and 30.0 coverage grade were among the bottom three marks in the NFL and necessitated a significant acquisition.
That acquisition came in the form of Bobby Okereke. Okereke proved his worth in a lead role in Indianapolis while Shaquille Leonard was injured for most of the season. His 73.3 overall grade bettered every player in the New York linebacking corps.
Finding Okereke some help on the second level will be a major issue, with Jarrad Davis and Micah McFadden looking like the primary options.
The addition of Okereke can not be overstated. The Giants have struggled at inside linebacker for nearly a decade and Okereke represents a significant upgrade — and one who will improve those around him. The Giants also seem to be high on Micah McFadden, who could earn the starting role next to Okereke.
Still, depth at the position is lacking.
Darrian Beavers could help improve that after missing his rookie season due to injury, and he’s certainly motivated to do so. The Giants also have the aforementioned Jarrad Davis, as well as Cam Brown, Carter Coughlin, Dyontae Johnson and Troy Brown.
