Bobby Okereke, the free agent inside linebacker the New York Giants signed to a four-year, $40 million deal this offseason, is all about doing whatever it is asked of him to help the defense improve.
If that means wearing the ‘green dot’ on his helmet the season, he’ll do it. The ‘green dot’ is assigned to the player who wears the radio headset and calls the defensive signals.
Last year, under first-year defensive coordinator Wink Martindale, several players wore the green dot, including safeties. That might continue this season, but for now, in OTAs, Okereke is one of the players bearing the responsibility.
“I don’t expect to,” Okereke told reporters on Thursday at the team’s OTA session when asked if he expects to wear the green do this season.
“Whatever is best for the team. I don’t have an ego about it. I know a couple of different guys are wearing it throughout this process… I’ve worn it a couple games in the past.”
Okereke was signed to fortify a very thin group of inside linebackers, but he doesn’t see things that way.
“I love Micah McFadden. I think he’s a technician, great player, smart guy. Obviously, Jarrad Davis is a great leader. And Darrian Beavers is a guy who has a lot of potential,” he said.
Okereke said his strength is pass coverage and is seen as the off-ball linebacker the team has been lacking. He explained why he is seen as a top player in pass coverage.
“I think just my athleticism,” he said. “I’m big, I’m fast and long. But then just from a mental processing standpoint, understanding how offenses are trying to attack you and where I fit in coverage with my teammates. Just kind of putting it all together.”
The Giants hope they got in on the bottom floor with Okereke. If they did, their defense will be much more successful in 2023.
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