By Michael Stewart@TheTruthNYG
This will be part 11 in a series of 13 as I dive into the ILB/OLB positions for the 2024 NFL draft. The ILB prspoect position may not be a priority for the Giants in 2024, but the top 5 in this article are worth mentioning. As for the OLB prospects listed in my top 5 also serve as an edge in certain defensive schemes and would be solid fits for what the Giants GM Joe Schoen is looking for. Here are my Top 5 ILB and OLB in the upcoming 2024 NFL draft.
Top 5 ILB
- Ederrin Cooper (Texas A&M) 6’2/230: Cooper has elite athleticism with a quick burst. Cooper has a combination of good instinct to go along with high football IQ. Cooper has impressive closing speed and is an exceptional tackler. Projected Mid RD2.
- Jeremiah Trottier Jr. (Clemson) 6’0/225: Trottier is an extremely mobile ILB with good instincts. Trottier has excellent lateral movement and a solid fit on a 3-4 defensive scheme. Projected late RD2/early RD3.
- Cedric Gray (North Carolina) 6’2/234: Gray attacks the holes well against the run with great anticipation. Gray has impressive closing speed and can be a dependable coverage backer on passing downs. Projected RD4.
- Tommy Eichenberg (Ohio State) 6’2/239: Eichenberg is your lunch box, blue collar linebacker who doesn’t wow you with his size or speed, but he just goes out and makes plays all over the field. Eichenberg could excel with the right team. Projected RD4/early RD5.
- Marist Liufau (Notre Dame) 6’2/234: Liufau has a quick first step with a high football IQ you like with your ILB. Liufau has the ability to find the ball and he usually is a reliable tackler. Projected RD4/Early RD5.
Top 5 OLB
- Dallas Turner (Alabama) 6’3/245: Turner has big play ability and is a 3 down OLB. Turner excelled at the combine; who has improved his draft stock as he can play in both a 3-4 and a 4-3 defensive scheme. Projected Top 10.
- Chris Braswell (Alabama) 6’3/250: Braswell made Bruce Feldman’s Freak list (#10) due to his overall athletic ability and potential. Braswell complimented Turner well and a steady performer for the Tide. Projected Mid/Late RD2.
- Payton Wilson (N. C State) 6’4/233: Wilson is a blue collar player with a maniac mentality. Wilson has excellent instincts and makes plays all over the field. Injuries have pushed Wilson down the draft board, but when healthy he is a difference maker. Projected RD3.
- Junior Colson (Michigan) 6’2/238: Colson is a very active linebacker who has good anticipation and quickness. Colson could be considered undersized in terms of length or lack of, but he is a solid defender in a 3-4 defensive scheme. Projected Late RD3.
- Javon Solomon (Troy) 6’1/246: Solomon comes from a college program that has produced some notable OLB/Edge prospects in Osi Umenyiora and Demarcus Ware. Solomon has long arms, which compensates for his 6’1 frame and might be more suited in a 3-4 defensive scheme. Solomon would be solid Day 3 for a team needing a OLB. Projected RD4.
The New York Giants will more than likely not be in the market for an ILB in this upcoming draft. However, that can’t be said at the OLB position as the Giants GM Joe Schoen could be looking for Azeez Ojulari’s replacement. Free agency will and should dictate what direction the Giants will go in the draft. Keep an eye out for my next article as I breakdown the top 5 cornerbacks in the upcoming 2024 NFL draft.