6. Prince Amukamara
Position: Cornerback
College: Nebraska
Overall Pick: 19
Year Drafted: 2011
Fun statistic regarding both Prince Amukamara and Aaron Ross– the last time the Giants drafted cornerbacks in the first round (Ross in 2007 and Amukamara in 2008) they went on to win the Super Bowl. No pressure, Eli Apple.
Prince Amukamara, similar to Kenny Phillips, had tremendous potential, but often struggled with injuries. In his four years as a Giant, he played all 16 games only once. A day after being drafted in 2011, he broke his left foot. In 2014, he tore his bicep, which sidelined him for the entire season.
In the 2014 and 2015 seasons, Amukamara actually played very well, injuries aside. He had the look of a guy with the potential to be a top cornerback, but unfortunately, the Giants let him go in free agency– the Nebraska product signed a one year deal with the Jaguars. His absence hasn’t been felt all too much, as his replacement, Janoris Jenkins, is a near lock for the Pro Bowl and is garnering consideration for Defensive Player of the Year.
Amukamara is a solid NFL player, and he won a Super Bowl in his rookie season. If not for injuries, he may have been higher on this list, but his strong play in his final 2 seasons with New York, as well as his Super Bowl ring, save him from bust status.
He is ranked higher than Aaron Ross simply because he is, and was, a better cornerback.
