Breaking down New York Giants general manager Jerry Reese‘s performance in recent drafts.
Arguably the most critical responsibility tasked to a general manager is the drafting and developing of young talent.Giants GM Jerry Reese has been the subject of extensive wrath from the easily irritable fanbase, some deserved and some unsubstantiated.
They “don’t know what they’re talking about,” Reese told reporters about those who questioned his draft antics.
Let’s examine these frustrations by analyzing how Reese’s recent draft picks have performed:
Pro Football Focus grades for the 2016 season are in parentheses.
2016
The consensus isn’t out on Reese’s latest draft, but there’s plenty of optimism that some of the mid-to-late rounders will develop into solid contributors.
1 (10) Eli Apple, CB — Ohio State (70.1)
The highly-touted rookie has been dealing with hamstring problems, so he’s played very sparsely this season. He’s also behind Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Janoris Jenkins on the depth chart, and has notably little experience in the slot.
2 (40) Sterling Shepard, WR — Oklahoma (73.8)
Shepard has built a strong rapport with Eli Manning, which has translated into plenty of opportunities. He’s dependable and — surprisingly — an excellent blocker. Once things click, he could be one of the league’s premier slot receivers.
3 (71) Darian Thompson, S — Boise State (60.0)
He hasn’t played since Week Two, when he found the field for forty-five snaps.
4 (109) B.J. Goodson, LB — Notre Dame (Inc.)
He’s watching and learning
5 (149) Paul Perkins, RB — UCLA (60.7)
It’s a miniscule sample size, but telling nonetheless: Perkins has appeared to be an adequate ball catcher with modest trucking ability. He’s slotted too low on the depth chart to make an impact, though.
6 (184) Jerell Adams, TE — South Carolina (65.9)
He’s showed lots of promise but hasn’t had nearly enough snaps to leave a lasting impression.
2015
This draft is marred — but not tainted — by the questionable selection of Flowers in the first round.
1 (9) Ereck Flowers, T — Miami (75.0)
Flowers is a monster, but also a liability. Although he’s been slightly above-average as a run blocker, his pass protection woes are concerning. His game improved following a disappointing rookie campaign, but not noticeably enough to reassure his quarterback.
2 (33) Landon Collins, S — Alabama (84.6)
Collins has been a godsend for a depleted, inexperienced group. PFF ranks him sixth among safeties, and for good reason: he’s been slotted closer to the line of scrimmage this season, allowing him to halt the running back and sack the passer.
3 (74) Owa Odighizuwa, DE — UCLA (41.8)
Everybody had good things to say about Odighizuwa when he was drafted, but the consensus has shifted slightly. He’s still an explosive threat, just not one that instills fear in the opposition.
5 (144) Mykkele Thompson, DB — Texas (Inc.)
Thompson has befriended the injured reserve
6 (186) Geremy Davis, WR — Connecticut (Inc.)
Davis has failed to emerge as a viable receiving option, and hasn’t played any snaps this season as a result.
7 (226) Bobby Hart, G — Florida State (52.2)
Hart has found the field because of injuries, and it’s fair to say that he’s outperformed most people’s expectations. That being said, he has the “potential to be great,” according to former offensive lineman David Diehl, and hasn’t yet embraced his ceiling. He’s proven to be an adequate swing lineman, though.
2014
Reese landed three bona-fide stars and two potential playmakers. Even his fourth rounder, Williams, looked like a steal.
1 (12) Odell Beckham, WR — LSU (79.2)
Since taking the league by storm, Beckham has become the most polarizing — and important — player in football. His on-field tantrums have been subject to widespread debate, but his playmaking ability is arguably the best. This will be remembered as Reese’s best pick.
2 (43) Weston Richburg, C — Colorado State (69.2)
The grade isn’t pretty, but it is explainable: Richburg continues to struggle in the run game. However, he’s the leader of the offensive line, and arguably the best screen blocker in the league. This prompted PFF to dub him a Pro Bowl snub and top breakout player last season.
3 (74) Jay Bromley, DT — Syracuse (46.1)
This pick didn’t look too good to begin with (Bromley would’ve probably been available in a later round), but it’s only been expounded because Bromley’s failed to develop. Unfortunately for the Giants, there haven’t been any signs of an impending breakout.
4 (113) Andre Williams, RB — Boston College
No longer with the team
5 (152) Nat Berhe, DB — San Diego State (52.1)
Berhe’s battled the injury bug, but it’s telling that he’s had trouble finding the field despite the Giants being so thin at the position. His PFF grade is inconclusive.
5 (174) Devon Kennard, LB — USC (80.9)
After impressing as a rookie, Kennard battled injuries last season, limiting his effectiveness and raising doubts about his ability to produce consistently. He’s erased many of those worries with a strong start to the 2016 campaign, in which he’s displayed his explosiveness and pass rushing prowess.
6 (187) Bennett Jackson, DB — Notre Dame
No longer with the team
2013
Reese’s top two picks have enjoyed well-documented success, although his later selections leave much to be desired.
1 (19) Justin Pugh, OG — Syracuse (90.6)
He’s been the best guard in football this season, and his play has increased every year. He’s equally adept at protecting the quarterback as he is the ball carrier, which has translated into accolades from many league executives.
2 (49) Johnathan Hankins, DT — Ohio State (42.8)
Ignore the PFF grade; it’s an anomaly. Hankins has shined as a run clogger but has contributed as a pass rusher, as well. His numbers have decreased this season just like the rest of the line, but don’t let that fool you: when healthy, Hankins can impact every down.
3 (81) Damontre Moore, DE — Texas A&M
No longer with the team
4 (110) Ryan Nassib, QB — Syracuse (Inc.)
Nassib had a dreadful preseason, but hasn’t been tested when it counts. He hasn’t taken any snaps this season.
5 (152) Cooper Taylor, S — Richmond
No longer with the team
7 (225) Eric Herman, OG — Ohio U.
No longer with the team
7 (253) Michael Cox, RB — Massachusetts
No longer with the team
