5. 2015 NFL Draft
The Giants held the ninth overall selection in this draft, their highest since selecting Philip Rivers with the fourth overall pick in 2004.
Hopes were high for who Big Blue would choose with a selection so high. Then Reese selected an offensive tackle from Miami, Ereck Flowers. The Miami product was prematurely forced into a starting role as a rookie after Will Beatty suffered a season-ending injury in training camp.
It was quite clear that as a rookie, Flowers was not ready to be a starting left tackle. He was hindered by an injured ankle in his rookie year and that may have also contributed to the cause.
Then in his sophomore year, as a starting left tackle, he was a bit better than he was as a rookie. That is not to say a lot, as his rookie season was awful. He finished 2016 with a grade of 48.4. Though he is a starter at one of the most important positions in football, so Reese does deserve some credit.
I for one was appalled when the Giants traded up to the first pick in the second round and drafted Landon Collins. Usually, the Giants just stay put in the draft, so that goes to show how much they liked the safety from Alabama.
In his first season as a pro, the safety did not prove that Big Blue made a wise decision to trade up and draft him. However, in his sophomore campaign, he excelled. He posted a 91.7 grade from PFF, and that classifies as elite. In a season worthy of DPOY consideration, he posted 100 tackles, four sacks, and five interceptions.
Bobby Hart from FSU was drafted in the seventh round of this draft. He and Flowers combined to form one of the worst starting tackle duos in the league. There is hope for Hart, as he may be better suited at guard. Anyhow, to find a starter in the seventh round is pretty solid.
In this draft, Reese was able to find two starting tackles and one elite safety. That is a pretty good haul if you were to ask me.
