LB Bobby Okereke: The Good, the Great, and the Ugly

Coach Gene Clemons dove into new Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke's film to find his strengths and weaknesses.

Author:
Gene Clemons
Publish date:
Mar 15, 2023 10:16 AM EDT

In this story:

The New York Giants made their first splash of the free agent period by signing 27-year-old linebacker Bobby Okereke from the Indianapolis Colts.

Giants fans may remember Okereke from the Week 17 game against the Colts in which Okereke was all over the field defensively, slowing down players in pass coverage, making big hits, and tackling everything moving en route to a 17-tackle performance.

Now that he's a Giant, many hope that Okereke provides stability in a position that has been in turmoil over the past couple of seasons.

Okereke should be a natural fit in defensive coordinator Wink Martindale's defense and provide the explosiveness Martindale covets at the position. Okereke's Week 17 film reveals all of the positives and negatives of his game, which we'll look at here.

The Good: Coverage Ability

While one will not necessarily anoint a linebacker as a starter strictly based on their ability to cover, a coach generally will give those that can cover and who have the regular positive attributes of a linebacker more consideration.

In this regard, Okereke is a plus asset in pass defense, making him a three-down backer. What makes him so effective, especially in short to intermediate pass defense, is his closing speed. He can quickly make up ground. This allows him to close out on running backs on swing passes and flat routes..

He also excels on short to intermediate sitting routes where he can get his hands on a player before they can make a move. Even if he is not there for the pass breakup, he ensures that there will be minimal yards after the catch.

The Great: Play Diagnosis

Okereke has a great nose for the ball. He is great at diagnosing a play and using his athleticism to get to the ball and make something happen. He understands run fits and exhibits regular patience when attacking run lanes in the run game.

He watches how the front and second-level blitzes advance, then he uses that patience, mixed with his burst to read and react like other elite linebackers in the NFL. He knows how to work through traffic by finding clean lines but also does a good job of knowing when to detach from blockers and make a play.

Regardless of attacking the run or adjusting in man or zone coverage, he understands how to see the play quickly and has the athletic gifts to make plays.

The Ugly: He Can Get Tricked

Sometimes a person's biggest positives can spawn legitimate negatives. For Okereke, his confidence in his ability to diagnose plays can get him in trouble when he incorrectly diagnoses them.

More quarterbacks can be weapons in the run game in this new NFL. Linebackers need to be more patient on the backside, as if they hesitate, they can't make the play when the ball is handed off.

Sometimes Okereke takes off to chase something that leaves him vulnerable to play action or a quarterback pulling the ball and running. He can also get caught on his heels and pushed back at the second level because he did not act quickly enough.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Okereke is an excellent addition to the Giants and is at an age that will allow him to ascend to his highest potential. His strengths are great, and his weaknesses are easily fixable with solid coaching. Giants fans should be excited about what he could bring to the table.