4 Day 2 linebackers the NY Giants can target in the NFL Draft

Heading into the NFL Draft, the NY Giants will look to round out their roster and make improvements on both sides of the ball. It goes without saying, but wide receiver, cornerback and a new center will be a focus.

In the first round, the Giants could look to address several major needs. If they go with either a wideout or interior offensive lineman at No. 25 overall, then the second or third round could be where they add a linebacker.

Following the free agent addition of Bobby Okereke, the team has already added a potential star at the position. With other players such as Micah McFadden and Darrian Beavers heading into Year 2, they have young talent at the position. But even with the current makeup of the position, they could still add a strong LB2. With that said, here's four players Joe Schoen could target on Day 2.

4. Washington State LB Daiyan Henley

Heading into the draft, Washington State linebacker Daiyan Henley could be one of the most well rounded prospects at his position. This kid will surely be one to watch later this month.

Henley spent the first five seasons of his collegiate career at Nevada. Over this stretch, he took the field in 38 total games. In total, he recorded 150 total tackles, 93 solo tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, three defended passes, and four interceptions.

Following the 2021 season, Henley made the move to Washington State. In his lone season with the Cougars, he set career highs across the board. He finished the year recording 106 total tackles, 54 solo tackles, 12 tackles for loss, four sacks, one defended pass, one interception, and three forced fumbles. In addition, he missed just five tackles throughout the entire year.

Henley has found success up to this point with his fast style of play. He can fly around the field, while also being a more than capable defender against the pass. With his coverage skills, along with his ability to stop plays in the backfield, he could quickly become a force at the next level.

3. Tulane LB Dorian Williams

Over four seasons at Tulane, Dorian Williams developed into a strong prospect at the linebacker position. While he isn't the fastest or has the biggest frame, he can still make a major impact on the defensive side of the ball.

In total, Williams appeared in 43 games while at Tulane. He finished his collegiate career recording 195 solo tackles, 36 total tackles, 27 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, 13 defended passes, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles.

Williams appeared in 14 games during his final season at Tulane. He finished the season recording 81 solo tackles, 132 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, seven defended passes and two interceptions.

During his time at Tulane, Williams showed an ability to impact against both the run and pass. In the 2020 season, he recorded a career-high 15.5 tackles for loss. Just two seasons later, he recorded seven defended passes and two interceptions.

Williams is a high-volume tackler that at times has been limited by his size. But what he lacks in size, he makes up for in speed. With the versatility that he brings to the game, he has the potential to make an impact early in his career.

2. Oregon LB Noah Sewell

While spending three seasons at Oregon, Noah Sewell developed into an elite blitzing linebacker. With a physical playing style, he can develop into a force in the middle of a defense. In a Wink Martindale defense that thrives off of applying pressure, Sewell could be an ideal addition.

In total, Sewell took the field in 33 total games while at Oregon. While on the field, he recorded 105 solo tackles, 218 total tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, nine defended passes, and two interceptions.

In 2021, Sewell played arguably the best football of his career. He finished his second season recording 114 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and four sacks.

Sewell followed up his elite 2021 season with a strong final campaign in 2022. Over 12 games, he recorded 56 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, four defended passes, and one interception. Heading into the NFL, many project that Sewell could develop into a strong talent at linebacker, but that he can also make a major impact off of the edge.

Coming in at 6-1.5 and 246 pounds, he has the size to line up outside. Along with this, and his ability to beat opposing blockers, he could regularly find himself in the backfield. At just 20 years old, he can still grow his game and could fit in perfectly alongside this young defense.

1. Clemson LB Trenton Simpson

At the start of the draft cycle, it was widely believed that Clemson's Trenton Simpson would be a lock to be drafted in the first round. But in recent weeks, with the rise of players such as Iowa's Jack Campbell and Arkansas' Drew Sanders, Simpson is now widely believed to hear his name called on Day 2. If that is the case, he should be atop the Giants radar in the second round.

While at Clemson, Simpson looked to be an elite talent at the linebacker position. Over three seasons and 33 games, he used his elite speed, and ability to regularly find the ball to make an impact on a regular basis.

In total, Simpson recorded 100 solo tackles and 165 total tackles over his collegiate career. In addition, he added 23 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, five defended passes, and three forced fumbles.

As Simspon took the field in 2022, he put together a strong showing in the Clemson defense. Over 12 games, he recorded 72 total tackles, four tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, three defended passes, and two forced fumbles.

With the addition of Ekereke, Simpson could be the ideal linebacker to add alongside him. While at Clemson, he spent time at both outside and inside linebacker. In addition, he even spent significant time in the slot in 2021.

With this versatility, alongside Okereke, Simpson could quickly become a key piece of the unit. When looking at the makeup of the Giants defense, there could be no better option at the position.

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