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Ranking the Giants' 10 Best Draft Picks of the Last Decade

The New York Giants have significantly underperformed in the NFL Draft in the past decade, but they still made some excellent picks.

By Nicholas Rome

September 21, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; New York Giants co-owner John Mara before the game
September 21, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; New York Giants co-owner John Mara before the game / Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
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The NFL Draft is now just two weeks away with the Giants holding the sixth overall pick. The Giants have been lackluster at best in the NFL Draft too often, making the wrong decisions by picking the wrong player or by reaching on players early in the Draft.

The Giants' failure in the draft is the biggest reason for the team's lack of postseason success. But, there have been some successes in the meantime. Here's a look at the Giants top ten selections of the past decade:

10. Sterling Shepard - 2016 Draft - 40th Overall Pick

Jan 7, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3)
Jan 7, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) / Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

It came as a surprise when the Giants selected Sterling Shepard 40th overall as the team had Victor Cruz coming back from injury and an emerging Odell Beckham Jr. The rookie receiver would help the team reach the playoffs recording 65 catches for 683 yards and eight touchdowns in a loaded receiving core.

From 2017 to 2020, Shepard would continue to be a highly productive receiver for the Giants with 600 or more yards in each season.

Injuries ultimately put a cap on how productive Shepard could be in New York, taking away some of his explosiveness and keeping him off the field. Despite the injuries, Shepard finished his Giants career as a great receiver with 372 catches for 4,095 yards and 23 touchdowns.

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