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This will be part 5 in a series of six as the New York Giants currently have Kayvon Thibodeaux and Azeez Ojulari anchoring the outside linebacker/Edge spots, but behind them the depth is questionable as Elerson Smith and Tomon Fox are the only players currently on the roster. Oshane Ximines is not expected back in 2023, so it would make sense for GM Joe Schoen to explode more depth at this position. The same can be said for the Inside Linebacker that is arguably lacking the production the Giants desperately need to move forward in 2023. Let’s take a look at the top 5 inside and outside linebackers in the upcoming draft.

OLB/EDGE

  • Will Anderson (Alabama) 6’4/243:  Anderson will likely be the first non-quarterback taken within the top 4 picks.  Anderson has an explosive first step and can be disruptive on both sides of the line of scrimmage. Projected Top 5.
  • Nolan Smith (Georgia) 6’3/235: Smith’s 2022 season was limited due to injuries, however; Smith’s body of work prior to his injuries already established his draft stock. Smith is a dynamic defender with his elite blend of speed and instincts. Projected Round 1.
  • BJ Ojulari (LSU) 6’3/245: Ojulari has a blend of speed, power and instincts to go along with a high football IQ. Ojulari has a quick first step and good bend on the edge. Projected Early Round 2.
  • Isaiah Foskey (Notre Dame) 6’5/260: Foskey has good bend around the edge by utilizing his hands well at the point of attack. Foskey already has a few solid moves as a pass rusher with room to improve. Projected Mid Round 2.
  • Felix Anudike-Uzomah (Kansas State) 6’4/255: Anudike-Uzomah has long arms that he utilizes well at the point of attack. Anudike-Uzomah can line up in either a two or three point stance and be effective as he displays enough speed to chase down a ball carrier from behind. Projected Late Round 2.

ILB

  • Drew Sanders (Arkansas) 6’5/235: Sanders is solid run stuffer, but can also provide pass rushing ability between the tackles. Sanders has great anticipation and surprising closing speed. Projected Early Round 2.
  • Trenton Simpson (Clemson) 6’3/230: Simpson has been listed anyway between 225 to 240 pounds, depending on what scouting report you’re looking at. Simpson is a dynamic defender with amazing athletic prowess and the ability to make plays sideline to sideline. Projected Early Round 2.
  • Noah Sewell (Oregon) 6’3/250: Sewell has a high motor to go along with good quickness and instincts. Sewell is solid between the tackles and is more suited as a run stuffer, but will get an occasional sack or two. Projected Mid Round 2.
  • Daiyan Henley (Washington State) 6’1/225: Henley is a sideline to sideline playmaker who is also very sound in coverage. Henley can also stuff the run and be a very productive 3 down linebacker. Projected Late Round 2.
  • Jack Campbell (Iowa) 6’5/245: Campbell is a violent tackler with sideline to sideline range. Campbell also has the ability to blitzes between the tackles and register tackles behind the line of scrimmage or a sack. Projected Late Round 2.

The inside linebacker class in this year’s draft might not be a deep as in previous drafts, but there are solid defenders available if the Giants decide to go this route in the draft. I believe the decision on if and or when the Giants decide to draft an inside linebacker will depend on what they do in free agency

. Keep an eye out for part 6 as we cover the top 5 cornerbacks and Safeties. Also, tune into to TheGiantsGuys draft show tonight, at 8:30pm On YouTube.