Bobby Okereke didn’t exactly sneak onto the New York Giants’ roster. He arrived in 2023 as a major free agent signing on a four-year, $40 million deal, and immediately became the defense’s iron man. He played every single defensive snap that season, led the team in tackles, and was voted a captain in Year 1.
This isn’t someone hanging on at the bottom of the depth chart. This isn’t a late-round flier turning heads at OTAs. Okereke has been the guy in the middle of the Giants’ defense since the moment he stepped on the field. He’s led, produced, and delivered. And now, in a pretty shocking development, he qualifies as one of the NFL’s best-kept secrets.
That’s the label Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder gave him in his latest article spotlighting the most underappreciated player on each team heading into 2025. And while it’s definitely flattering, it’s also kind of wild he still fits the category.
Bobby Okereke gets overdue recognition for strong production
Holder didn’t shy away from pointing out how strange it is that Okereke hasn’t drawn more national love, writing:
“Maybe it’s because the Giants haven’t had much success as a team since his arrival a couple of years ago, but it’s a bit perplexing how Okereke hasn’t made at least a Pro Bowl roster in his career.
The 2019 third-round pick racked up 149 total tackles in 2023 and 93 tackles in 12 games last year before suffering a back injury. Plus, he’s a well-rounded player who has 13 passes defended during his two campaigns in New York.”
The numbers back up the story. Okereke’s 2023 season ranks among the best a Giants linebacker has put together in the last 20 years. He was the only player in the league to post 140-plus tackles, 10-plus tackles for loss, and 10-plus passes defended that year. He forced four fumbles, added 2.5 sacks, and two interceptions for good measure.
There's no denying Okereke brought physicality and leadership to a defense that badly needed it. Which makes his inclusion on this list rather surprising.
Even in 2024, despite missing the final five games, Okereke stayed productive. He was still on pace for over 120 tackles and remained a stabilizing force in the middle. The only thing that slowed him down was the herniated disc that ended his season early.
Now presumably healthy and heading into Year 3 with the G-Men, Okereke doesn’t need a breakout. He's already a borderline Pro Bowler. What he needs is the general recognition that should accompany that status. But if Bleacher Report has to blow the lid off a secret most Giants fans already knew, so be it. It’s about time.