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Okereke mentioned he at all times ‘had my eye’ at the Giants in unfastened company
Bobby Okereke is a skilled participant who had choices entering his unfastened company. However Okereke at all times had his eyes at the Large Apple and the New York Giants.
“This used to be a staff I had my eyes on,” the Giants’ new off-ball linebacker mentioned Thursday. “There used to be numerous mutual pastime. When issues got here in line, simply labored it out with my agent. I advised him that when we’ve the appropriate deal, I’m in a position to tug the cause. So, it is truthfully the very best scenario for me.
“There have been a couple of groups concerned with the entire procedure. And I advised my agent from day one, ‘I wish to play in New York Town.’ New York Town has been considered one of my favourite towns, rising up, my complete lifestyles. And this franchise is rising. I used to be very lucky to play in the back of (Colts defensive linemen) DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart. Very particular defensive take on, and in an effort to reflect that, if no longer make stronger with Dexter Lawrence and Leonard Williams right here, it is a very lucky alternative for me as a linebacker. I am excited. I am excited for the chance I’m excited to fulfill the leaders of this staff. I’m excited to be part of this protection and franchise.
Okereke signed a four-year, $40 million contract on Wednesday, bettering on a scenario the place the Giants were not in a position to discover a everlasting answer a season in the past.
Okereke had 132 tackles in 2021 and 151 in 2022. He’s additionally recognized to be a very good protection linebacker, which the Giants may indubitably benefit from. Then again, he hasn’t had a breakout efficiency steadily in his profession, and has handiest two sacks in his 4 seasons.
He is aware of Vink will exchange Martindale as his defensive coordinator.
“I will blitz much more, which I am fascinated with,” Okereke mentioned. “I love to play rapid and bodily. And I believe that is why Trainer Martindale blitzes such a lot, so the avid gamers can play freely. There may be no longer numerous considering, and that is the reason what you need to finally end up with. You need to do away with the considering and simply make rapid choices.”
Okereke mentioned that with the Indianapolis Colts he used to be steadily used as a protection linebacker whilst others have been despatched to blitz.
“I believe protection has been such an asset of mine,” Okereke mentioned. “Coaches have at all times felt that in the event that they assault me in entrance, I’m a man who can transparent issues up. Or if I am the one guy in protection, I am about to get stuck.
Listed here are one of the most different subjects Okereke addressed on Thursday.
Week 17 vs. Giants
Okereke had a career-high 17 tackles within the 38–10 loss to the Giants, together with two for loss and a compelled fumble.
Okereke mentioned, “In truth the whole thing got here in combination in that sport.” “I used to be simply excited, enjoying in point of fact smartly. And I were given right into a groove in that sport, clearly 17 tackles. Had a compelled fumble, then some TFLs (tackles for loss). Very unfastened enjoying me Felt. So, it used to be thrilling. And for it to be my splendid sport of the yr, for it to return complete circle, and for me to be a New York Massive on this second, it is in point of fact surreal.
Okereke additionally drew a private foul penalty overdue in that sport for successful on quarterback Daniel Jones, and he is aware of he’s going to be listening to about it from his new teammates.
“Possibly some humorous shit will occur,” Okereke mentioned. “However Daniel and I made it higher after the sport. I advised him it wasn’t intentional. He is a aggressive man. I am a aggressive man. He is looking to run away and I am looking to prevent him from working away.” am. Clearly no longer deliberately looking to hit him within the head or the rest. However we ditched it and cleared the air. We will have to be just right. Pink jersey – he is secure. I am hands-off .
Jones gave Okereke a shot of his personal on a scramble later within the sport. As a freshman, Okereke mentioned he can admire that in regards to the quarterback.
“The loopy factor about it’s clearly when a quarterback is working, you’re feeling like he can slide. However throughout that sport, you need to simply really feel his pleasure to win,” Okereke mentioned. “He is working into the tip zone. He is barling in me. He’s doing the whole thing imaginable to make his staff win. So, I’ve numerous recognize for that man. And I am excited to be teammates with him.”
Paris Campbell’s signature
Previous Thursday, the Giants added huge receiver Parris Campbell — a teammate of Okereke’s with the Colts. Okereke mentioned he used to be “excited as hell” about Campbell becoming a member of the Giants.
“You might be getting a quick, bodily man. And you might be getting a really perfect chief,” Okereke mentioned. “He has a really perfect character. He is aggressive. Parise is solely a really perfect man.
Campbell’s first 3 NFL seasons have been marred by way of accidents. Okereke mentioned he at all times knew Campbell, who had a career-best 63 receptions in 2022, is usually a productive participant if he can keep wholesome.
“He at all times had unique velocity. I noticed that from day one OTAs. Were given guys to return into the league and to find his frame,” Okereke mentioned. He has confronted numerous adversity with accidents, but it surely It is made them extra resilient. You noticed in his first yr of full-time manufacturing, he used to be very a success. So, he is simply having a look ahead to capitalizing on that and rising.
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