Over their 90 Year history the New York Giants have had some memorable picks of players whom have helped shape the team past, present, and future. These young players served as stepping stones for success and built a legacy o their own that many Giants fans remember in a number of different ways, most importantly their impact on the organization.
Frank Gifford (1952) - Taken in the first round, Gifford had a legendary career that every fan knows or should know of. He captained a team that was a fixture in NFL championship games and helped win one in 1956. Serving as both a halfback and wide receiver, Gifford compiled over 9,000 total yards and 77 touchdowns all while being the consummate workhorse and professional spearheading the Giants of the 1950s
Tiki Barber (1997) - Spending all of his 9 seasons with New York, Barber was a terrific downhill runner whose even demeanor and high work ethic made him a stand out for the organization. The Giants all time leading rusher amassed over 10,000 rushing yards in his career before calling it quits in 2006 at just 31 years old.
Mark Bavaro (1985) - His bruising style and great hands made him a fan favorite and staple of two Giants championship teams. He dominated the middle of the field and provided quarterbacks an ultimate safety net. Bavaro set a new precedent for all Giants tight ends, paving the way for others to follow in his footsteps.
Amani Toomer (1996) - The Giants were never a wide receiver hot bed, that was until Amani Toomer arrived. The Michigan alum came to New York and caught a record 668 passes for 9,497 yards and 54 touchdowns. His smooth hands and calming presence made him a quintessential piece to the offensive puzzle for 13 seasons.
Harry Carson (1976) - The Hall of Fame linebacker had a forceful presence and commanded respect when he stepped onto the field. Carson captained the defense for 10 years as the first piece of what would become a dominant and fearsome trio. The creator of the "Gatorade shower" proved his leadership both on and off the field, earning him a high place in Giants folklore.
Osi Umenyiora (2003) - For 9 seasons Umenyiora terrorized opposing quarterbacks with his deceptive speed and agility. He helped form a powerful front line that lead the Giants to two Superbowl championships, earning two Pro Bowl appearances along the way. He also sits fourth on the Giants all time sack list, collecting 75 before departing for the Atlanta Falcons in 2013.
Lawrence Taylor (1981) - A virtuoso of the sack and linebacker extraordinaire, Lawrence Taylor may go down as the greatest draft pick in Giants history. He redefined the linebacker position, getting into the backfield seemingly at will. Taylor was the finishing piece to a defense that would drive it's way to two championships (86, 90) and created a legacy that stands on its own to this very day.
Justin Tuck (2005) - Though he started out as a bit of an enigma, Tuck proved his worth as a pass rush specialist following a stellar performance against the Patriots in Superbowl 42. His abilities allowed him to be moved around the front line, keeping quarterbacks guessing as to where he would come from. Though injuries kept him from fully reaching his long run potential, Tuck still compiled 60.5 sacks, good enough for 6th all time in Giants history.
Phil Simms (1979) - Booed vociferously after his name was called, Simms went on to have a very steady career in New York. He won 95 games and collected 33,462 yards and 199 touchdowns in 14 years. He had one of the most efficient games in Super Bowl history, completing, 88% of his passes in 1986 against the Denver Broncos, a record that still stands today. Simms also coined the popular phrase "I'm going to Disney World" after winning Super Bowl MVP honors that same year.
Michael Strahan (1993) - Perhaps the most well known Giants pick outside of Lawrence Taylor, Michael Strahan earned his way in fans hearts with his competitive spirit and drive to succeed. He provided profound leadership and stability for the defense as well as a mentoring mind for other players like Umenyiora and Tuck. His 142.5 carer sacks are a Giants record and he still holds the single season mark (22.5), which he set in 2001. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014.
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