PFF's NY Giants pick for most underrated player was a no-brainer

There were many times last season when the NY Giants could not get a stop and opposing offenses would score at will against Big Blue. However, there were some positives on the defensive side of the ball, especially on the front seven. Issues evident early in the season, such as poor tackling efforts, were improved over the course of the year thanks to one player specifically.

Big Blue fans might know the ins and outs of NY's defense, but others might only be familiar with bigger names like Dexter Lawrence, Deonte Banks, and Kayvon Thibodeaux. The contributions of several Giants often go unnoticed, and PFF singled out one player who they believe deserves more recognition. PFF writer Zoltán Buday wrote that linebacker Bobby Okereke is the most overlooked contributor on the roster.

PFF named Bobby Okereke the most underrated NY Giants player

"Okereke was everything and even more that the Giants might have hoped for when they signed him as a free agent in 2023. Not only did he play a career-high snap total, but his 1,128 snaps over the regular season ranked second among all linebackers. In addition, his 78.9 overall grade ranked 12th among linebackers."

- PFF

In his first year playing on the MetLife Stadium turf, Okereke did not disappoint. He recorded 149 total tackles, 92 solo (seventh in the NFL), 11 tackles for loss, forced two fumbles, and caught two interceptions. According to PFF, his efforts are often disregarded by fans in comparison to the team's other defensive standouts.

They note that he played a career-high snap total and took on a larger role than he had in Indianapolis. He ranked near the top among the best LBs, which Giants fans are likely not surprised to hear. While Okereke might not be the first player that comes to mind when talking about the roster, he is certainly one of the most important.

As the Mike of the Giants' defense, Okereke harbors plenty of responsibility on the field. He is a terrific open-field tackler and excels in pass coverage, something NY's LBs have struggled with in the past. However, Okereke still has a penchant for forcing his way into the backfield, ranking third among all MLBs in the NFL in QB pressures and 11th in run stuffs.

His first year donning Giants colors was extremely successful. Okereke is earning every penny of his four-year, $40 million contract he signed last offseason. Alongside an enhanced pass-rush and a budding defensive backs room, the former Colts LB could lead one of the better defenses in the league this upcoming campaign.