New York Giants: Analyzing Jerry Reese’s Tenure as General Manager
2014
Draft Selections:
Odell Beckham Jr., WR
Jay Bromley, DT
Andre Williams, RB
Nat Berhe, S
Devon Kennard, LB
Bennett Jackson, CB
Notable Free Agency Additions:
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB
Rashad Jennings, RB
Geoff Schwartz, OG
Notable Free Agency Losses:
Linval Joseph, DT
Justin Tuck, DE
Notable Trades:
none
Missed Opportunities:
Aaron Donald (draft)
Devonta Freeman (draft)
Zack Martin (draft)
Malcolm Butler (undrafted)
Andrew Norwell (undrafted)
Aqib Talib (free agent)
Record: 6-10
Postseason: Did not qualify
Analysis:
The 2014 season will be remembered for the emergence of Odell Beckham Jr. The offseason preceding the season? That will be remembered for John Mara saying that the “offense is broken”. After forcing offensive coordinator, Kevin Gilbride, to retire and hiring Ben McAdoo, the Giants tried to change the recent losing culture. This was reflected in their draft class, in which every member drafted was a former team captain.
Beckham was originally considered as a reach as the 12th overall pick, but he quickly proved doubters wrong. Even after missing the preseason and four games, he was on his way to becoming the most prolific Giants receiver in history. Rumors were that the Giants really liked Donald and Martin in the first round, and many thought they would select Martin. Reese went against the popular speculation and surprised many with Beckham.
The offensive line was an enormous issue to address in 2014, and the additions of Richburg (draft) and Schwartz (free agency) were intended to fix that issue. Instead, Schwartz was hampered by injuries and released one year later. Richburg was good in 2015 before taking a step back in 2016.
Other drafted players, such as Bromley and Berhe were also plagued with injuries during their development, and have not played big roles on the defense as of yet. Williams was a pure rusher out of the backfield in college, and his struggles blocking and catching led to his eventual release prior to the 2016 season. Kennard has been up-and-down during his career, and has shown flashes of greatness as well as mediocrity.
In free agency, the Giants lost Joseph and struggled to fill that defensive void for a year. The signing of DRC bolstered their porous secondary and gave the defense an established veteran. Jennings was also another big free agent signing, but his new role was much bigger than what he was accustomed to with Oakland or Jacksonville.
I can’t fault Reese for passing up Donald or Martin after the great player that Beckham has become, but how long can we overlook the bad moves? Currently, Reese likely points to the Beckham selection whenever he is questioned about job security. Sooner or later, Reese can’t keep using that as an excuse for some of his terrible drafts.
Offseason Grade: A-