Middle linebackers are often considered the quarterbacks of the defense, especially those who operate as the Mike. The NY Giants had been missing a true defensive captain in the middle of the field for several years. However, general manager Joe Schoen made a home-run signing when he brought in former Indianapolis Colts LB Bobby Okereke on a four-year, $40 million contract last offseason.
While NY fans know the team struck gold by signing Okereke, some NFL followers still don't give him the recognition he deserves. Former Giants standout and two-time Super Bowl champion Osi Umenyiora praised him in an interview during the NFL Africa Camp, calling him the most underrated player in the entire league. It's time to give Okereke his flowers.
Is @bobbyokereke 🇳🇬 the most underrated player in the @nfl? @OsiUmenyiora thinks so 👀#NFLAfricaCamp pic.twitter.com/5UHqWZUiey
— NFL Africa (@NFLAfrica) June 14, 2024
Former Giant Osi Umenyiora gives Bobby Okereke a strong endorsement
"Bobby Okereke is the most underrated football player in the NFL right now. He's a linebacker for the New York Giants, a tremendous football player. Should have been a Pro-Bowler, should have been an All-Pro, they overlooked him — I have a little something to say about that."Giants Super Bowl champion Osi Umenyiora
He and Okereke share Nigerian roots, but that is not why Umenyiora supported him. Not only does he think he is the most underrated player in the NFL — he even believes he should have made the Pro Bowl and All-Pro team. Needless to say, that is a glowing endorsement from one of the franchise's greatest defensive players ever.
Umenyiora's name is well-known around the New York/New Jersey area. The London native was selected in the second round of the 2003 NFL Draft and garnered numerous accomplishments during his 10-year stint in East Rutherford, winning championships in 2008 and 2012 while reeling in two All-Pro nods. His 75 sacks as a Giant rank fourth in franchise history on the all-time sacks list.
Okereke was terrific during his first year in royal blue. He registered 149 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, reeled in two interceptions, and forced a pair of fumbles. He is one of the most versatile defenders in the league and should be in for a monster campaign in 2024.
Under new defensive coordinator Shane Bowen, Okereke will finally be able to serve as the Swiss Army Knife he is. While he generated many QB pressures with the blitz-heavy Wink Martindale, Okereke can return to his roots of patrolling the middle of the field, stuffing run plays, and disrupting routes in pass coverage. The future is only brighter from here for the underrated Giant.