Bobby Okereke is the stabilizing, consistent ‘centerpiece’ Giants need

Sunday was a day filled with significant news nuggets at Giants training camp. 

First, the team removed enigmatic, injury-prone Evan Neal from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, opening the door for the third-year right tackle to practice for the first time since undergoing ankle surgery last January. 

Then head coach Brian Daboll, delivering an update on back-up quarterback Drew Lock, who was knocked out of Thursday’s preseason opener with a hip contusion, said he has no plans to sign another quarterback, an indication that Lock’s injury isn’t believed to be long-term. 

Then Daboll revealed he plans to take starting quarterback Daniel Jones to Saturday’s preseason game at Houston, where Jones would play in a game for the first time since he tore his ACL last November in Las Vegas. 

And finally, with about 20 minutes remaining in Sunday’s practice, receiver Malik Nabers, the team’s first-round draft pick who’s been having a fabulous summer, went down with a left ankle injury and didn’t return. 

That laundry list of dramatic events should underscore the marvel that Bobby Okereke represents to the Giants. 

Okereke is so many things for the Giants, beginning with being the most consistent force inside their locker room. 

The Giants played 1,128 plays on defense in 2023 and the 28-year-old linebacker played every single one of them.

He was one of three players in the NFL who played every down, joining former teammate, safety Xavier McKinney and Washington safety Kamren Curl. Dating back to 2007, no Giants player had done that. 

Okereke is the unquestioned leader of the Giants defense, manning the middle as the signal caller as well as a stern, but calming locker room presence. 

He, too, is productive, having produced 149 tackles, 11 for losses, two interceptions, four forced fumbles and 2 and a half sacks in 2023. 

Okereke is, by a landslide, general manager Joe Schoen’s best free agent signing in his two-plus seasons in charge of Big Blue. 

He is a constant, always to be counted on, always accountable. And, most importantly, always available. 

“Availability, that’s a huge pride point for me,” Okereke told The Post after practice Sunday. “I train for it, I’m conditioned for it. My mindset is preparing to play every play. But from my standpoint, I want to lead from the front, and that’s being on the field making plays.’’ 

Okereke, who last year had his best year in his five NFL seasons, said he adheres to this saying: “To whom much is given, much is expected.” 

“I’ve been blessed with athletic ability and leadership qualities,” he said. “I feel like I have a lot of abilities that can help this team.” 

Most difficult for Okereke last season was putting in all the work, the blood, sweat and tears, and not being rewarded for it in the standings, with the Giants finishing 7-10 and out of the playoffs. 

“That’s the challenge: to stay encouraged despite the circumstance you’re in, despite the results,” he said. “They say the last thing to show is profit. So, you’ve just got to stay on the grind. You’ve got to toil. You got to work hard and have the faith, that eventually, your work is going to manifest into the dreams and goals that you want. 

“That’s the example that I try to set — just stay diligent and trust the process and the results will come.” 

Those words are music to Daboll, who on Sunday called Okereke “the centerpiece.’’ 

“He’s a really good communicator and obviously has good leadership traits, nominated as captain his first year here,” Daboll said. “I think he’s taking that to another level now. He’s fast. He’s a ball disruptor, an active player in the run game and in the pass game.” 

Jerome Henderson, the Giants defensive backs coach, called Okereke “the engine.’’ 

“He’s the mouthpiece, relaying information to the defense,” Henderson said Sunday. “He’s the one who’s out there encouraging guys and getting them to step up and play the way we want to play. In the middle of the defense, his presence and athleticism is unbelievable. There are not many linebackers in the league with his range.” 

Giants inside linebackers coach John Egorugwu said he’s most impressed with how Okereke “isn’t afraid to voice his opinion” to teammates and coaches for the betterment of the team. 

“He’s a guy that goes about all his work with intention — everything from working on his body to studying,” Egorugwu said. “He’s a pro’s pro who sets a great example for the other guys in the room. He’s a glue guy who holds everyone together. 

“The guy played every snap last year, and to do that you’ve got to do a lot of the work outside the building. The work behind the scenes. He does it.” 

He does it every day. Consistently. And without drama.