10. Ereck Flowers (Pick 9, 2014)
GM: Jerry Reese
In what is probably the biggest bust in Giants history, Ereck Flowers was a massive reach for Jerry Reese. Out of Miami, Flowers was projected to be a top tackle in the NFL. Yet, Flowers profusely underwhelmed and never developed into the rock-solid tackle the Giants needed him to be. Flowers was released in 2018 as one of the biggest busts in NFL history.
9. David Wilson (Pick 32, 2012)
GM: Jerry Reese
Wilson only played 2 seasons after suffering a career-ending neck injury. Wilson, a running back who showed so much potential in his rookie year, making All-Pro 2nd team never got the chance to show what he was truly made of. I’d put him higher if he didn’t get hurt in his sophomore year.
8. Prince Amukamara (Pick 19, 2011)
GM: Jerry Reese
Prince was a good enough backup corner for the Giants, who only started all 16 games once in his 5 seasons as a Giant. Prince became a fan favorite based on his blue collar attitude and his trash talk, but he never broke into a permanent starting role on the Giants.
7. Eli Apple (Pick 10, 2016)
GM: Jerry Reese
Apple never developed into the lockdown corner the Giants were hoping for when they took him 10th overall in 2016. Being called a cancer by a teammate on public radio and not performing to expectations, will tend to not sit well with any team. Eli Apple is one of the biggest wastes of potential in recent Giants history.
6. Hakeem Nicks (Pick 29, 2009)
GM: Jerry Reese
A crucial part of the 2011-2012 Super Bowl winning squad, Hakeem Nicks is a fan favorite. He was a great wide receiver for the Giants. A multiple time 1000 yard receiver, this was a fantastic pick for Jerry Reese in his second draft for the Giants. Nicks was known for his massive hands, which needed specially made gloves. Hakeem Nicks was a fantastic #2 wideout for the Giants.
5. Justin Pugh (Pick 19, 2013)
GM: Jerry Reese
Justin Pugh was a fantastic guard for the Giants, who is one of the most underrated Giants players in recent history. He blocked Manning’s blindside, starting every game he played in during his Giants tenure. Justin was a key part to the last Giants playoff team in 2016.
4. Evan Engram (Pick 23, 2017)
GM: Jerry Reese
Engram was a fantastic steal for Jerry Reese’s last first-round pick as the Giants GM. Engram has become a fantastic check down motion for Manning. Shurmur began using Engram in the offense more in the second half of 2018 and he just exploded for 577 yards in the 8 games he started. Watch for Engram to have a Pro-Bowl year next season.
3. Jason Pierre-Paul (Pick 15, 2010)
GM: Jerry Reese
Jason Pierre-Paul is one of the most beloved and best defensive ends the Giants have ever had. The Giants have always had amazing defensive ends like Osi Umenyiora, Michael Strahan, and Justin Tuck, just to name a few. JPP was a fantastic pick, a fantastic player, and an even better man. This was a fantastic locker room pick for Jerry Reese.
2. Odell Beckham Jr. (Pick 12, 2014)
GM: Jerry Reese
While Odell is easily one of the best players the Giants have ever had. It’s very sad that he was only able to give New York five seasons of greatness. Reese hit one of his very few home runs with this pick. A perennial Pro-Bowler and a great locker room presence, Odell Beckham Jr. will always be the one player who got away when it’s all said and done.
1. Saquon Barkley (Pick 2, 2018)
GM: Dave Gettleman
Saquon Barkley had one of the best rookie seasons in NFL history. Putting himself into many NFL rookie records, Barkley was the little shining light Giant fans had this season. Gettleman’s first pick as the Giants GM was an absolute home run. Saquon will be the player to build around for years to come. Let’s hope he can hit another grand slam this year.
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