There are needs galore for the Giants and they added depth to a spot where help is needed, as on Saturday they selected linebacker Micah McFadden from Indiana in the fifth round, with pick No. 146.
McFadden did a whole lot for the Hoosiers as a two-time team captain. He led the team in tackles in 2020 and had a productive 2021 season, leading the defense with 77 tackles while also adding 15.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.
There is no problem with McFadden’s athleticism or his ability to locate and bring down the ball-carrier but scouts have seen him miss tackles in open areas. He figures to be a contributor on several special teams units.
The Giants need bodies at inside linebacker. Blake Martinez played in only three games last season and is coming off ACL surgery. The expectation is he will be ready to take the field this summer. Tae Crowder, the final pick in the 2020 draft — dubbed “Mr. Irrelevant — started all 17 games in 2021 and led the team with 130 tackles. There is no proven depth behind Martinez and Crowder.