Inside Linebackers

     The quarterbacks of the defense, or more commonly, the inside linebackers. ILBs are the middle of the defense, having to know how to rush the passer, play the run, and cover during passing downs. Being an ILB isn't easy, and it's a position the Giants have struggled with in the past. However, this past year was the group's best I've seen in a while. They are a great young group of 3 guys and they will continue to grow for next season.

    If there was one addition this past year that impacted this team the most, I would have to give it to Bobby Okereke. Okerkere was nothing short of spectacular this past season. He lead the charge of this ILB group being on the ball at all times. Playing all 17 games this year, Okereke at 2 interceptions, 10 passes defended, and 4 forced fumbles. Along with that, he was 7th in the league in solo tackles, and 9th in total tackles. He is right up there with the best ILBs in the game right now and has changed this defense for the better.

    Look at this video of Okereke tipping a passed ball from Josh Allen, and then it gets snagged by fellow ILB Micah McFadden. Okereke has a nose for the ball and led to many of the Giant's turnovers this past year. This play shows his ability to find the ball spectacularly.

   

Next up we have the 2nd year player Micah McFadden. In 2023, McFadden doubled his production from his rookie year. He had 101 combined tackles, 63 solo tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 4 fumbles recovered, 5 passes defended, and 1 interception. In terms of year two jumps, McFadden did as much as you can ask for. He won't be a superstar ILB, but he played extremely well next to Okereke. Last year he played average at best and wasn't better than the veterans we had. However this year he completely turned it around.

    McFadden as a 5th round pick wasn't expected to amount to more than just a depth piece. A guy you rotate in to give the starters a break. However, he proved everyone wrong this past year showing he can be a quality starter. He is only going to continue to get better and is really going to show his worth to the men in blue.

    Last up is Isaiah Simmons who recently resigned with the Giants on a one-year deal. Back in 2020, Simmons was drafted by the Cardinals at the top of the first round as a generational defensive prospect who could play anywhere. However, the Cardinals continuously moved Simmons around every year to the point he couldn't devote himself to one position. He wasn't horrible but definitely didn't live up to the hype surrounding him.

    So this past off-season, the Giants traded a late-round pick for him and took a chance. No longer being a starter, Simmons had his production drop immensely with career lows in many categories. However, that doesn't paint the whole picture. Simmons played in all 17 games and was phenomenal in all his snaps. He wasn't a game wrecker but he showed why he was worth a first-round pick. Much like Okereke and McFadden, Simmons had a knack for finding the ball. He had 1 pick-six, 2 passes defended, a forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery this past year. In limited snaps due to being a rotational player, that's pretty good. 

    The Giants have a great group of three ILBS for next season, and with another offseason to gel together, they could be a top unit next year. Stay tuned next time for the last defensive position we have to cover, the cornerbacks.