The 2022 NFL Draft is right around the corner and the New York Giants are preparing to complete their roster overhaul. New York needs to upgrade many parts of their roster on both sides of the ball. New defensive coordinator Wink Martindale’s scheme is reliant on good linebackers that excel in run defense. In the 2022 NFL Draft, there are prospects that would fit seamlessly into this scheme, like Wyoming’s Chad Muma.
Chad Muma is an elite run-stuffing linebacker prospect that the Giants could target in the second round of this year’s draft. The Giants need depth behind Blake Martinez, the team’s starting inside linebacker who is coming off of an ACL tear suffered in the 2021 season. Chad Muma could fit the bill and transition seamlessly into Wink Martindale’s defensive scheme.
What could Chad Muma bring to the Giants?
Chad Muma is a projected second-round pick in this year’s draft. The Wyoming linebacker prospect has been praised for his run-defending and legit size and athleticism at his position. Muma posted an elite relative athletic score (RAS) of 9.77. He has elite explosion combined with good speed, agility, and size.
The Giants would be getting a true three-down inside linebacker in Chad Muma. He excels as a run defender but also has the ability to make an impact in the passing game. The Draft Network describes Chad Muma as “excellent” in the passing game because he is “athletic enough in coverage to cover running backs on routes.” This is a trait that the Giants’ linebackers are currently lacking.
According to Pro Football Focus, Chad Muma was the second highest-graded (91.1) 2021 FBS linebacker in run defense for this year’s rookie class. In 2021, Muma generated 68 total defensive stops, three picks and 21 pressures for Wyoming (PFF). He was a tackle machine, racking up an insane 142 total tackles in the 2021 season. Chad Muma also added 8 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and 3 interceptions this year.
The New York Giants will be in the market for a linebacker in this year’s draft. Many analysts have mocked Chad Muma and other linebacker prospects to the Giants in the second and third rounds. Linebacker has become a position of need for the Giants. As new general manager Joe Schoen rebuilds this roster, he will need to improve this position for Wink Martindale. Chad Muma has a rare, versatile skillset. Wink Martindale emphasizes versatility. The Giants could secure Chad Muma in round two and develop him into a stud in the middle of their defense.