8. 2008 Draft
This draft goes to show that one cannot predict injuries.
The first rounder from this draft was Kenny Phillips, a safety from Miami. Similar to David Wilson, injuries took its toll on Philips. Knee injuries turned him into a shadow of his former self. Although, when he was able to play, he recorded 41 starts and eight interceptions over five seasons with the Giants.
The best player from this draft was selected in the second round, Terrell Thomas. He burst onto the scene in his second campaign. During that season he totaled five interceptions, 13 passes defended and 70 tackles. He was well on his way to becoming one of the best all-around corners in the game.
In his next season, he would collect five interceptions, 21 passes defended and 81 tackles while forcing four fumbles. Surprisingly, he was not selected to the Pro Bowl after stuffing the stat sheet.
Then in 2011, he would tear his ACL for the second time in the same knee. (He tore his right ACL for the first time in college) In 2012, he would tear his right ACL yet again, by this point he had torn his right ACL three times.
Then in 2013, Thomas made a comeback, following Thomas Davis to become the second player to ever play in the NFL after suffering three torn ACLs. In 2013 he played well, but was not close to his 2010 form.
The last notable player from this draft class is Mario Manningham. He was able to total 2,315 yards and 18 touchdowns through four years with the G-Men. Although he’s mostly known for one of the best catches in Super Bowl history. Without that grab, it is highly unlikely that Big Blue would have won Super Bowl XLVI.
This draft class was pretty solid, but could have been special if not for injuries.
