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Whitehead Should Be A Top LB Target For The New York Giants

By Christopher Schwarz

Jan 4, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Detroit Lions middle linebacker Tahir Whitehead (59) reacts to a defensive play against the Dallas Cowboys during the third quarter in the NFC Wild Card Playoff Game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 4, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Detroit Lions middle linebacker Tahir Whitehead (59) reacts to a defensive play against the Dallas Cowboys during the third quarter in the NFC Wild Card Playoff Game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Linebacker is an obvious need for the New York Giants in free agency and Jerry Reese not only needs a big name starter, but to bolster depth at the position. Depending on who Reese keeps on the roster and who he drafts, Tahir Whitehead could be either a starter or a strong and versatile backup linebacker.

Whitehead is just 25 and has been a starter for the past two seasons with the Detroit Lions. In 2014, he filled in for veteran Stephen Tulloch after he went down with a knee injury just three games into the season. Whitehead finished second on the team in tackles and Pro Football Focus ranked him 37th among all linebackers. In 2015, Whitehead started the final eight games over Tulloch and finished the season with 50 total tackles and two sacks. He was PFF’s 16th ranked linebacker last season.

Whitehead’s an unrestricted free agent with sneaky value which makes him a target for many teams with a need at linebacker. The Giants may have an edge in signing Whitehead, however. He’s a Jersey City, NJ native and Reese just added former Lions GM Martin Mayhew to the front office. Mayhew drafted Whitehead in the fifth round out of Temple and, if he’s a fit for the Giants, would push Reese hard to sign him.

The Giants can improve at across the board at linebacker and Whitehead can play all three positions. He played in the middle in Detroit and he would prefer to stay there. “When I look at it, me personally, I see myself as a MIKE,” Whitehead said. “To be able to utilize my speed and being able to play sideline to sideline.” Reese would like to bring back Jasper Brinkley and the two could compete for the starting position.

Whitehead isn’t the big name Giants fans are hoping for. The ideal signing would be the Broncos’ Danny Trevathan. He’s a 25-year old who would be the centerpiece and starting middle linebacker for years to come. He’s still on Reese’s wish list, but comes at a price and will also be offered top dollar by teams across the NFL. Whitehead would be a great signing and could likely start on the outside if the Giants don’t land a big name in free agency.

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