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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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3. Saquon Barkley - 2018 Draft - 2nd Overall

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) is shown on the field after the game, Sunday,
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) is shown on the field after the game, Sunday, / Kevin R. Wexler / USA TODAY NETWORK

Dave Gettleman was put in a tough spot in the 2018 NFL Draft with the second overall pick, having the chance to draft the heir to Eli Manning but, ownership wanted to push for one more run with Eli at the helm. Gettleman instead took a massive risk, selecting a running back second overall instead of trading out of the pick.

Barkley would explode onto the scene as a rookie, rushing for 1,307 yards and adding 721 yards receiving eclipsing the 2,000 all-purpose yard mark as a rookie.

While Barkley was solid for the rest of his Giants career, two massive issues hindered his potential: the trade of Odell Beckham Jr and awful offensive line play. Opponents began loading the box to stop Barkley as the team lacked a dangerous playmaker on the outside. This paired with an awful offensive line was a recipe for disaster, leading to injuries for Barkley.

Overall, you can argue that Saquon was one of if not the best running back in the league in three of his six seasons in New York. Barkley often made the most out of the poor situation, carrying the offense that will be greatly missed in 2024. Barkley finishes his Giants career with 5,211 rushing yards, 2,100 receiving yards, and 47 touchdowns.

2. Dexter Lawrence - 2019 Draft - 17th Overall

Nov 19, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II (97)
Nov 19, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II (97) / Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Thanks to the Odell Beckham Jr trade, the Giants acquired a second first-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. The selection of Dexter Lawrence was overshadowed as the team selected its heir to Daniel Jones and Deandre Baker who was regarded as the best cornerback in the Draft.

The start of Lawrence's career went under the radar as he played solid nose tackle for an underwhelming team. The 2022 season, however, would be a massive breakout for Lawrence, earning him second-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors.

The rise of Lawrence played a large part in the Giants making the playoffs as he recorded a career-high 7.5 sacks with 68 tackles and two forced fumbles. 2023 was another solid year as Lawrence recorded 4.5 sacks finishing ninth for Defensive Player of the Year, earning another second-team All-Pro, and making his second Pro Bowl.

The Giants gave Lawrence a massive contract extension keeping him in New York through the 2027 season. The addition of Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux's continued development will only lead to further success for Lawrence, as teams won't be able to double team him as often. Aaron Donald's retirement leaves Lawrence as the best nose tackle in football so we should see continued All-Pro Awards for "Sexy Dexy".

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