New York Giants Free Agency/Draft Preview: Do Giants Need More at Inside Linebacker?
The New York Giants interior linebackers improved in 2023, thanks in large part to Bobby Okereke's addition and the development of Micah McFadden, but the group still needs additional improvement.
Whenever the team has an abundance of missed tackles, the blame is laid at the feet of the linebacking corps, and this group can accept its share of responsibility. Per Pro Football Focus, of the 151 missed tackles recorded by the Giants defense last year, 46 were by the inside linebackers, with 25 by McFadden alone.
More Position Group Free Agency/Draft Previews
Quarterback | Running Back | Tight End | Interior Offensive Line | Wide Receivers | Offensive Tackle | Defensive Line
Personnel Recap
- Under Contract: Bobby Okereke, Micah McFadden
- UFAs: Isaiah Simmons, Cam Brown, Carter Coughlin
- RFAs: N/A
- ERFAs: N/A
Okereke, the former Indianapolis Colts linebacker, came to the Giants and immediately assumed control over the defense. He recorded career highs in sacks (2.5) and interceptions (2) while falling two tackles shy of his career high in tackles (149). The $40 million over four years looks increasingly like a bargain for the Giants.
McFadden, a second-year linebacker out of Indiana, consistently cracked the starting lineup in 2023. He started 14 games and recorded his first 100-tackle season. It was a solid performance but still left questions about the position. McFadden needs to become more consistent as a tackler.
The Giants traded for the ultra-athletic Simmons, who was used as a Swiss Army knife during his time in Arizona. He joined the Giants and settled in as a linebacker. He was used a little in coverage and as a blitzer, where he found some success, but he also had times when he missed tackles or read an assignment incorrectly.
Brown has been a special team player with the Giants over the past four seasons. His long frame and athleticism have made him a natural on special teams, and he has played his role well. Despite coaching and personnel changes, he has been one of the constants on the special teams unit, but it's expected that the team will move on from him.
As a rookie, Coughlin broke into the starting lineup for a couple of games but could not become a regular contributor on the defense. He did find a consistent role as a special teamer, and he has formed a good core with Brown on that unit over the past four seasons. But as is the case with Brown, the Giants are expected to move on from Coughlin.
Top 3 Questions to Be Answered
Should they re-sign Isaiah Simmons?
The Giants should re-sign Simmons. He is still young and an athletic freak. If he could finally make a permanent home at linebacker, he might finally realize all his potential. Even if he is not a full-time starter, he could be a big addition to the revamped special teams unit.
How will the linebacker responsibility change under new DC Shane Bowen?
Bowen’s defenses in Tennessee played with four true defensive linemen, which usually results in the linebackers having the ability to roam free and chase the ball. This should allow these Giants linebackers to utilize their athleticism more than they did when they had to take on blockers consistently.
Should special teams be a big consideration?
Brown and Coughlin have been told they're not in the Giants' plans moving forward, as each posted farewells on their respective social media accounts shortly after the season ended. Simmons, McFadden, and another linebacker who gets added could make up the core of the Giants' special teams going forward. The Giants need athleticism in this position, which can translate into improving a marginal special teams group.
Draft or Free Agency?
The Giants should seriously consider bringing back everyone who was in the group last season, but as already noted, that is not going to be the case. They could look to add Darian Beavers, who spent most of last season on the practice squad, more into the mix, but even if that's the plan, they should also consider adding talent through the draft, especially with inside linebackers being devalued, which means they can probably get really good talent on day two or day three of the draft.
Top Three Draft Picks to Target
Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M: Cooper is a big, strong, athletic tackling machine. He would provide the Giants a thumper who can chase sideline to sideline and take on blockers at the point of attack. Cooper would be a great complement to Okereke. If the Giants are looking to spend early on a linebacker, Cooper could be the play.
Payton Wilson, North Carolina State: Wilson had a great senior season and a great combine. His speed and size would make him an ideal fit among the Giants' other linebackers. He would make an immediate impact on special teams and could work himself into the rotation. Wilson could be an early Day 3 pick for the Giants.
Kalen DeLoach, Florida State: DeLoach is a leader who makes up for what he lacks in size with speed, intelligence, and toughness. He would be an instant favorite of new special teams coordinator Michael Ghobrial, and as he has done at every other level, he would find a way to get himself into the rotation.
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