New York Giants: Analyzing Jerry Reese’s Tenure as General Manager
2011
Draft Selections:
Prince Amukamara, CB
Marvin Austin, DT
Jerrel Jernigan, WR
James Brewer, OT
Greg Jones, LB
Tyler Sash, S
Da’Rel Scott, RB
Notable Free Agency Additions:
David Baas, C
Notable Free Agency Losses:
Kevin Boss, TE
Barry Cofield, DT
Notable Trades:
none
Missed Opportunities:
Justin Houston (draft)
Richard Sherman (draft)
Muhammad Wilkerson (draft)
Dan Bailey (undrafted)
Chris Harris, Jr (undrafted)
Darren Sproles (free agent)
Record: 9-7
Postseason: Won Super Bowl XLVI
Analysis:
The Giants can’t get luckier than they did in 2011. After having another underwhelming offseason, the Giants got hot at the right time and won the Super Bowl. None of their draft class members or free agent additions were game-changers, but their existing talent was enough to get the job done.
In the draft, Amukamara was the only player who wasn’t a bust. The others never developed into what Reese hoped for, and this draft class is one to forget. Prince lasted five seasons with the Giants, but was dealing with injuries almost every season.
In free agency, the Giants brought in Baas to anchor the offensive line, but he was often hurt. He was important during the stretch run at the end of the 2011 season, but his neck injury shortened his time with New York afterwards. Weatherford was a great signing, who remained the answer at punter following the failed Matt Dodge experiment.
As if the bad draft selections weren’t enough for Reese in 2011, he missed out on several big time players. In retrospect, it looks very bad that he passed up on Justin Houston and Richard Sherman in favor of Marvin Austin. Harris Jr. was an undrafted player who could’ve made a difference and Sproles would have been an all-purpose back that could be dangerous in special teams as well. This is merely after-the-fact, but does not take away from the poor draft choices.
But hey, they still won the Super Bowl with the talent they had on the roster.
Offseason Grade: D