The New York Giants defense have a very impressive linebacker group for the upcoming season. In a group on defense with plenty of questions, the LB unit stands out among them all.
Pro Football Focus ranked every linebacker group in the NFL.
Giants linebacker group ranked 5th in NFL by PFF
The Giants are solid at their starting linebacker spots. Bobby Okereke’s 78.9 PFF grade ranked 13th at the position in 2023, and Micah McFadden came in at No. 46 in his second season in the league. They also have Isaiah Simmons, who hasn’t lived up to his billing as a top-10 draft pick but was a useful depth player for the team last year, earning an 82.7 PFF coverage grade on 203 snaps. -- PFF
It's an underrated group around the league. Many may not name guys like Bobby Okereke or Micah McFadden in circles around top linebackers, but they have grown into solid options. They are consistent, and that's all you can ask for in the pros.
Plus, Simmons does add some unique versatility at his size, considering the way he moves. They've gotten more out of him than Arizona did previously in his career, at this point.
Another position group has received some love recently as well. Their newest star pass rusher got a nod from NFL.com.
Edge rusher Brian Burns was named the team's potential 2024 MVP
Burns might have been the Panthers’ co-MVP a year ago (with Derrick Brown), and I think he will thrive on a Giants defense that features an emerging Kayvon Thibideaux on the opposite edge and an established Dexter Lawrence in the middle. This offense lost Saquon Barkley, still has OL issues to iron out -- and there’s that curious QB situation to figure out. New York isn't likely to be winning games 38-35.
If the Giants are going to surprise people this season, the defensive line likely will have to be a big reason why. The Burns trade and extension felt like one of the savviest fell swoops of the entire offseason. Some teams might not have viewed Burns with the same reverence because of his solid but hardly eye-popping sack numbers, but the tape reveals a consistently disruptive edge capable of earning All-Pro honors in New York. -- Eric Edholm
Burns is arguably a top ten edge in the entire NFL. His presence alongside Kayvon Thibodeaux and the interior talent for NY should make for a massive impact.
The Giants front seven should be a strong group. The entire defensive line is impressive, and the linebacker group has a ton of proven experience.
