For years, the New York Giants struggled with their linebackers in coverage. The NFC East would routinely feast on their defense, with the likes of Jason Witten, Logan Thomas, Zach Ertz, and others simply eating them alive.
That has changed in recent seasons and even became more of a strength than a weakness in 2023. That was primarily due to the addition of veteran Bobby Okereke and the unique talent of Isaiah Simmons, who are each among the league’s best linebackers in coverages.
When it comes to PFF’s grading system, it’s far from the final say in player evaluation. It’s just a singular metric with data points that are relatively easy to understand. When a player is performing well, the PFF grades generally reflect that.
Below, you’ll find PFF’s 32 highest-graded coverage linebackers from the 2023 season (min. 152 coverage snaps).
Here is a look at PFF’s grading system to provide some context behind the numbers:
90.0+: Elite
80-89.9: High quality
70-79.9: Good
60-69.9: Above average
50-59.9: Average
40-49.9: Below average
39.9 or less: Poor
Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images
Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Andy Lyons/Getty Images
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Robert Scheer-USA TODAY Sports
Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports
Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports
Eakin Howard/Getty Images
Justin Casterline/Getty Images
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Kevin R. Wexler / USA TODAY NETWORK
Mike Lawrence/Getty Images
Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
Rob Carr/Getty Images
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
