The essential attributes that make up a successful linebacker are instincts, recognition, and tackling ability. The New York Giants focused in on those priorities in the fifth-round of the 2019 NFL Draft when they selected defender, Ryan Connelly.
The Wisconsin linebacker wasn’t ranked anywhere near the top of the crop, while options like Devin White and Devin Bush left their mark as the top two linebackers in the draft class.
However, we shouldn’t sleep on Connelly, who ranked as a top-15 pass-rusher from his position, finishing ahead of Bush in overall grade in 2018, according to PFF.