4 LBs the NY Giants should target in the draft after signing Bobby Okereke

During the 2022 season, arguably the weakest area of the NY Giants defense was the linebacker position. With injuries and underwhelming performances, the team was forced to rely on players signed from the open market. Heading into the 2023 season, this will no longer be the case.

Outside of the trade to acquire tight end Darren Waller, the Giants made their big move of free agency with the signing of former Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke. With the addition of Okereke, New York has the new face of their linebacker core. The 26-year-old defender has proven that he can be elite, and now with his arrival, this unit has gained a potential star at the position.

But there is still room for improvement in the linebacker room and the 2023 NFL Draft could be where the position is addressed next. In a linebacker class that is loaded with talent, the Giants could have their pick of LBs. Here’s a look at four players they should target:

4. Cincinnati LB Ivan Pace Jr.

Over his four collegiate seasons, linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. cemented himself as a special talent. While at both Miami of Ohio and Cincinnati, Pace was able to find success. During his three seasons at Miami, Pace recorded 179 total tackles, 21 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, five defended passes, and one interception.

Pace played a key role in the Miami defense in his first two years at the school, but in 2021, he took his game to new heights. Over 13 games, he recorded 125 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and four sacks.

Following his breakout season, Pace made the move to Cincinnati. In his lone season at the school, he was elite. He finished the campaign recording career-highs across the board. This included 136 total tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss, nine sacks, and four defended passes

While Pace is one of the more undersized linebackers in this year’s class coming in at 5-10.5, he can still make an impact in a big way. For a Giants defense that struggled heavily against the run in 2022, Pace could help the unit turn things around.

With his ability to make plays in the backfield, which was made clear by his 41.5 career tackles for loss, he could find a spot on this defense. He’ll most definitely be a player for fans to keep an eye on once the draft rolls around.

3. Tulane LB Dorian Williams

During his time at Tulane, Dorian Williams developed into an elite talent at the linebacker position. Through 43 collegiate games, he recorded 316 total tackles, 27 tackles for loss, 9.5 total sacks, 13 defended passes, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles.

This past season, Williams was a rockstar for the Tulane defense. The former three-star recruit finished the season recording a career-high 132 total tackles, and 81 solo tackles. He also added 8.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, seven defended passes, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles.

As Tulane took on USC in the Cotton Bowl, Williams was brilliant once again. In his final collegiate game, he recorded a season-high 17 total tackles against an elite USC offense. Coming in at 6-1 and 228 pounds, Williams has the build of a modern-day safety.

But even with his size, he has shown that he can play against anyone on the field. Given that Okereke will already take over the lead duties at linebacker, Williams could be the perfect player to line up alongside him. With his speed and ability to fly around the defense, he could be a big-play machine regularly.

2. Washington State LB Daiyan Henley

Washington State linebacker Daiyan Henley may be one of the more interesting prospects in this year’s draft class. But with his experience, he could be the perfect option for this Giants defense. Henley spent the first five seasons of his college career at the University of Nevada. During his time at the school, he made several position changes, going from wide receiver to defensive back, until eventually landing at linebacker.

With two seasons logged at linebacker at Nevada, Henley played well. In total, he recorded 143 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, three defended passes, and four interceptions. Following the 2021 campaign, Henley made the move to Washington State. With a change of scenery, he played the best football of his career. Over 12 games, he recorded 106 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, four sacks, and one interception.

During his time in college, Henley proved to be a reliable defender both against the run and the pass. With this skill set, he could thrive on a Giants defense that could call for their linebackers to drop into coverage often.

Between his speed, including a 4.54 40-yard dash, and ability to impact the overall defense, Henley could be an intriguing option for the Giants, especially in the third or fourth round of the NFL Draft.

1. Clemson LB Trenton Simpson

With the addition of Okereke, the Giants may choose to not address linebacker until later in the draft. But if Joe Schoen and the front office look to add to the position with the No. 25 overall pick, Clemson’s Trenton Simpson could be the perfect prospect.

Through just three seasons at Clemson, Simpson was a star. While taking the field in 33 games, he recorded 165 total tackles, 100 solo tackles, 23 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, five defended passes, and three forced fumbles.

Over his three seasons, Simpson moved around the Tigers defense, playing both inside and outside linebacker. Simpson was able to excel at both spots, getting after opposing offenses with ease. With a 4.43 40-yard dash recorded at the Combine, Simpson has speed that allows him to get over the field.

Lining up Simpson next to Okereke would solidify the Giants linebackers for the foreseeable future. The pairing would give the defense two young pieces with elite upside. It is also worth noting that during his pro day, several Giants staff members were in attendance. Inside linebacker coach John Egorugwu ran the drills for the young linebacker. In this Wink Martindale-led defense, Simpson could be the missing piece.

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