When the Giants signed Bobby Okereke to a four-year, $40 million deal in free agency last year, expectations were measured. However, the 27-year-old linebacker exceeded these expectations by delivering an outstanding first season with the team.
Bobby Okereke’s Underrated Impact on the Giants
Okereke was a defensive stalwart, playing every single defensive snap—totaling 1,128 for the season. His impressive stats include 20 pressures, 105 tackles with only a 7.7% missed tackle rate, 56 stops, and two interceptions. He also defended five passes, allowed 301 yards in coverage, and two touchdowns, marking one of the best seasons for a linebacker last year.
Lack of Recognition Among NFL Executives
Despite his elite performance, Okereke remains underappreciated by NFL executives. In a recent poll among top executives regarding the top 10 linebackers in football, Okereke did not even make the honorable mentions. This oversight is notable, especially when comparing his achievements to those of his peers.
Comparisons and Rankings: A Discrepancy in Acknowledgment
Fred Warner and Roquan Smith were ranked as the top two linebackers. Interestingly, Nick Bolton of the Kansas City Chiefs, who played over 400 fewer snaps than Okereke, was ranked fifth despite Okereke’s superior season. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, who ranked sixth, has had a career arguably less impressive than Okereke’s to this point.
Even in the honorable mentions, linebackers like CJ Mosley and Quincy Williams of the Jets were recognized, raising questions about the criteria used for these evaluations and whether team performance biases might be affecting individual recognitions.
Outlook and Opportunities for Recognition
Last season, the Giants underwhelmed after their playoff appearance in 2022, which may have contributed to Okereke’s lack of visibility.
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As the new season approaches, Bobby Okereke will have further opportunities to demonstrate his skills and solidify his position as one of the top linebackers in the league. The challenge remains for him to gain the recognition he deserves, as his performance clearly suggests he is more than deserving of a mention among the league’s elite.