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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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2007

Aug 18, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants corner back Aaron Ross (31) defends a pass that is eventually caught by Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne (not pictured) for a touchdown during the first quarter of a preseason game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 18, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants corner back Aaron Ross (31) defends a pass that is eventually caught by Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne (not pictured) for a touchdown during the first quarter of a preseason game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Draft Selections:

Aaron Ross, CB

Steve Smith, WR

Jay Alford, DT

Zak DeOssie, LB

Kevin Boss, TE

Adam Koets, OT

Michael Johnson, S

Ahmad Bradshaw, RB

Notable Free Agency Additions:

Kawika Mitchell, LB

Notable Free Agency Losses:

Jay Feely, K

Notable Trades:

7th-round pick (2008) to Chiefs for Lawrence Tynes, K

Missed Opportunities:

Greg Olsen (draft)

Eric Weddle (draft)

Record: 10-6

Postseason: Won Super Bowl XLII

Analysis:

2007 was the first year Jerry Reese was in charge, and his debut did not consist of many jaw-dropping moves. However, the Giants went on to win the Super Bowl that year, and got helpful contributions from a few players they drafted. Bradshaw, Smith and Boss were solid players for Big Blue, and did their parts in helping the team win the championship.

Of the players drafted by the Giants, Bradshaw went on to have the most prolific career. He will be most remembered for his game-winning touchdown against the Patriots in 2011, but his value as a 7th-round pick cannot be ignored. Their second-round pick, Smith, set the franchise record for most receptions in 2009 with 107 total grabs before his career began to derail due to injury. DeOssie was also a great selection, and the Pro Bowler is still on the team today as a long snapper.

Boss was an above-average tight-end while playing with Eli Manning, but his numbers dropped once he went to the Raiders. Their first-round pick, Ross, was mediocre at best throughout his career, but played on the two Super Bowl teams.

Aside from re-signing a few key players (Shaun O’Hara, Chase Blackburn), the Giants were not very active in free agency in ’07. They lost their place kicker, Jay Feely, but replaced him with Lawrence Tynes, who was instrumental in their extended postseason run.

The Giants won Super bowl XLII, so I can’t sit here and bash the GM for moves he didn’t make. Drafting Olsen or Weddle instead of Ross would have benefited the Giants in the long run, but hindsight is always 20/20.

Offseason Grade: B

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