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2018 NFL Draft: Top 10 LBs New York Giants should target

By Henry Buggy

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 02: Roquan Smith #3 of the Georgia Bulldogs reacts to winning the game MVP trophy after beating the Auburn Tigers in the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 02: Roquan Smith #3 of the Georgia Bulldogs reacts to winning the game MVP trophy after beating the Auburn Tigers in the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
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#9 – USC LB Uchenna Nwosu

PASADENA, CA – JANUARY 02: Linebacker Uchenna Nwosu #42 of the USC Trojans reacts against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the 2017 Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 2, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA – JANUARY 02: Linebacker Uchenna Nwosu #42 of the USC Trojans reacts against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the 2017 Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 2, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

LSU outside linebacker Arden Key is arguably the most talented pass rusher at the linebacker position in the year’s draft class, but the Tigers prospect is projected to play defensive end at the next level.

The Giants roster is currently set up for a 4-3 defensive front with Jason Pierre-Paul and Olivier Vernon starting at the defensive end positions. Nwosu would likely be better suited as a 3-4 outside linebacker at the next level, but he has the talent to start at outside linebacker in a 4-3 defensive scheme.

ESPN’s draft analyst Mel Kiper lists the Trojans prospect as the seventh best outside linebacker in this year’s class, but he also includes Key and Boston College defensive end Harold Landry at the position. 

Nwosu led all draft-eligible edge defenders in quarterback pressures this season, according to Pro Football Focus.

Over the past two seasons, The 6-foot-2, 240-pound linebacker recorded 19 tackles for a loss, 12.5 sacks, 18 passes defended, and one interception. Much like Carter, Nwosu will have to work on his pass coverage skills to succeed as a 4-3 outside linebacker at the next level. But the Trojans linebacker clearly has the instincts and awareness to develop into a starter in either defensive front.

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