It was a defensive-minded class for the Indianapolis Colts in the 2019 draft and while there are some players that took most of the attention, linebacker Bobby Okereke emerged as a solid playmaker during the second half.
A third-round pick out of Stanford, Okereke proved that his athleticism, range and sound tackling ability could be put to use right away. He also showed an innate ability to provide the Colts will solid coverage in the middle of the field.
Those traits helped Okereke finish the 2019 season as Pro Football Focus’ top-graded rookie linebacker.
Top rookie: Bobby Okereke, Indianapolis Colts — 77.3
Okereke was one of the best athletes at the position coming out of college last year, and it translated swiftly in coverage for the Colts. On 34 targets this season, he allowed 12 first downs and registered 10 stops. Apparently, the Colts know what they’re doing when it comes to drafting linebackers.
It took a while for Okereke to break into a role that allowed for consistent success. But once he did, he showed the Colts that he can be a weekly playmaker next to one of the league’s best linebackers in Darius Leonard.
Okereke finished the season with 58 tackles (43 solo), one sack, two tackles for loss and two passes defended. His coverage is a nice addition to a linebacker corps that needed it—even with the abilities of Leonard in that area.
The Colts set out to improve the linebacker room during the 2019 season. They accomplished that goal solely with the addition of Okereke to the middle of the defense.
As he enters his first full offseason with the team, Okereke could be vying for the starting role next to Leonard in 2020.