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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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9. Kayvon Thibodeaux - 2022 Draft - 5th Overall Pick

Oct 29, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
Oct 29, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) / Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Despite being picked just two years ago, Kayvon Thibodeaux has already been one of the Giants' strongest picks of the last decade. He's instantly given the Giants a much-needed edge presence with 15.5 sacks in just 31 games with 99 tackles, 29 QB hits, five forced fumbles, and a touchdown.

As a rookie, the late season emergence of Thibodeaux was a massive reason for the Giants making the playoffs. In a game that ultimately decided the Wild Card, Thibodeaux dominated the game with 12 tackles, and a strip sack recovered for a fumble.

The sophomore season was an improvement as Thibodeaux put up an 11.5 season with 50 tackles and three forced fumbles.

The Giants are banking heavily on Thibodeaux to continue his development in year three. The addition of Brian Burns to the pass rush group should benefit Thibodeaux as the offense will focus on the combination of Lawrence and Burns. As long as Kayvon keeps getting better, this pick will get better and better as time goes on.

8. Xavier McKinney - 2020 Draft - 36th Overall Pick

Dec 11, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) reacts
Dec 11, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) reacts / Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

The Giants mirrored the 2015 Draft by selecting an Alabama Safety at the top of the second round with Xavier McKinney. The safety missed the first half of his rookie season with a fractured foot playing in just six games with 25 tackles, an interception, and a pass defense.

The 2021 season gave McKinney a full year of experience as he set career highs with five interceptions, ten pass deflections, and a touchdown along with 93 tackles. McKinney started 2022 on a hot streak as well before an ATV accident cost him the second half of the year while bothering the coaching staff and front office.

McKinney was hoping for a contract extension to stay in New York but, a poor salary cap situation led to the team letting him walk after an incredible season with 116 tackles, half a sack, 11 pass defenses, three interceptions, and a forced fumble. Despite not getting a second contract with the Giants, McKinney gave the team three seasons of incredible production and will net the team a compensatory draft pick.

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