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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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2008

Dec 8, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) dives into the end zone for a touchdown against New York Giants cornerback Terrell Thomas (24) in the first quarter of the game at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 8, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) dives into the end zone for a touchdown against New York Giants cornerback Terrell Thomas (24) in the first quarter of the game at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

Draft Selections:

Kenny Phillips, S

Terrell Thomas, CB

Mario Manningham, WR

Bryan Kehl, LB

Jonathan Goff, LB

Andre Woodson, QB

Robert Henderson, DE

Notable Free Agency Additions:

none

Notable Free Agency Losses:

Kawika Mitchell, LB

Gibril Wilson, S

Notable Trades:

Jeremy Shockey to Saints for 2nd & 5th round pick (2009)

Missed Opportunities:

Matt Forte (draft)

Jordy Nelson (draft)

Josh Sitton (draft)

Asante Samuel (free agent)

Record: 12-4

Postseason: Lost to Philadelphia in Divisional Playoffs

Analysis:

The 2008 Giants’ draft will be highlighted by the selection of Manningham, who made the incredible catch in Super Bowl XLVI. Their first-rounder, Phillips, played five years for the team and was a solid player who was active in the secondary. Although not superstars, both players made an impact on the field during the memorable 2011 season. As for notable others from 2008, Thomas and Goff were contributors to the defense when healthy, but severe injuries to both players hurt their longevity.

During the summer, Reese hesitated at the opportunity to acquire Jason Taylor from Miami as part of another proposed three-team trade that would have sent Shockey to the Saints. When the deal broke down, the Giants instead received two 2009 draft picks from New Orleans as part of the deal for Shockey. Those draft picks turned out to be LB Clint Sintim and QB Rhett Bomar. Who? Exactly.

In regards to free agency, the Giants were not active at all coming off a Super Bowl season. They gave Plaxico Burress a contract extension prior to the season, but did not make any big additions. Their complacency was not a cause for concern until Burress accidentally shot himself. The Giants were 11-1 at the time, but after the incident, they limped their way to the No. 1 seed before settling for a quick one-and-done.

In retrospect, the Giants missed out on drafting Jordy Nelson, but there weren’t many missed opportunities this year. You would’ve liked to have seen Reese try to improve the secondary to complement the pass rush, but there was not much available. The Giants were probably on track for another Super Bowl appearance before the unfortunate incident with Plaxico.

Overall, the Giants did not have any major busts in this draft class, and the team did not need much help in free agency. Although no superstars were added, this team was locked-in and ready to defend their title following the offseason.

Offseason Grade: C+

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