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New York Giants: Analyzing Jerry Reese’s Tenure as General Manager

By Nikhil Potpally

Jan 15, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; General manager Jerry Reese and new head coach Ben McAdoo shake hands during a New York Giants press conference at Quest Diagnostics Training Center Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; General manager Jerry Reese and new head coach Ben McAdoo shake hands during a New York Giants press conference at Quest Diagnostics Training Center Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /
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2016

Nov 27, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) during the third quarter between the Cleveland Browns and the New York Giants at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Giants won 27-13. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) during the third quarter between the Cleveland Browns and the New York Giants at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Giants won 27-13. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /

Draft Selections:

Eli Apple, CB

Sterling Shepard, WR

Darian Thompson, S

B.J. Goodson, LB

Paul Perkins, RB

Jerell Adams, TE

Notable Free Agency Additions:

Damon Harrison, DT

Janoris Jenkins, CB

Olivier Vernon, DE

Notable Free Agency Losses:

Robert Ayers, DE

Notable Trades:

none

Missed Opportunities:

Laremy Tunsil (draft)

Jordan Howard (draft)

Jared Cook (free agent)

Alex Mack (free agent)

Kelechi Osemele (free agent)

Mitchell Schwartz (free agent)

Record: 11-5

Postseason: Lost to Green Bay in Wild Card Playoffs

Analysis:

This draft class cannot be judged accurately just yet, but it has potential. Apple struggled mightily for the majority of the season, but his extended playing time allowed for development late into the season. Although he was a big reach when Reese selected him, he has the size and athleticism to pan out. Based on last season, Shepard was the best receiver in the 2016 draft and has translated well as a slot receiver for the Giants. Thompson had high expectations as a potential “ball hawk” before getting injured, while Perkins and Adams showed flashes late.

In free agency, the Giants were flooded with open cap space in 2016. Reese took major gambles with Jenkins and Vernon, but they paid off. Instead of spending on the offensive linemen, the Giants focused on improving the worst defense in the NFL. The transformation that ensued in 2016 was remarkable. The defense became one of the best in the league while the offense became one of the worst.

This offseason, the Giants missed out on many free agents who could’ve helped. Adding any of the available offensive linemen would’ve been a major upgrade, but Reese chose not to do so. Jordan Howard, selected right after Perkins, looks to be the better running back of the two, so Reese might have missed the boat here. All in all, the free agent acquisitions and Shepard highlight a good offseason, but that was to be expected with all of the money available.

Offseason Grade: B+

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