No. 11: Who is a sleeper player to watch on this team?
Matt Citak: Similar to one of last week’s questions asking which Giant is primed for a breakout season, this one could go in several directions. But let’s keep the focus on the rookie class and go with linebacker Micah McFadden.
It is no secret that Wink Martindale loves to blitz. Well, McFadden picked up 6.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss in 12 games for Indiana last season, earning an elite 92.0 pass rush grade from PFF. This was the highest pass rush grade among all off-ball linebackers last season. In fact, McFadden registered 6.0 sacks in only eight games in 2020, which helped him earn an 85.8 overall PFF grade.
McFadden appears to be a perfect fit for Martindale’s defense and, after serving as Indiana’s team captain for two seasons, should also bring some additional leadership. Once he became a full-time starting linebacker at Indiana as a sophomore in 2019, McFadden saw his PFF pass rush grade increase each season. His ability to succeed as a blitzer in numerous ways was easy to recognize over the last few years, with PFF referring to him as one of the “most experienced” blitzers in the entire 2022 draft class.
With opposing offenses likely to focus most of their attention on the Giants’ talented defensive front, made up of Kayvon Thibdoeaux, Azeez Ojulari, Leonard Williams and Dexter Lawrence, McFadden could be looking at a whole lot of one-on-one situations this season. As an experienced blitzer with a chip on his shoulder, this should have the rookie linebacker foaming at the mouth.
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