New York Giants: The Draft History of Jerry Reese

Sept 5, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) breaks the tackle of Dallas Cowboys linebacker Sean Lee (50) during during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports

2007 Draft Class

In his first draft as general manager Jerry Reese selected a crop of rookies that immediately contributed to a Super Bowl victory.

Aaron Ross, Steve Smith, Jay Alford, Kevin Boss, Zak DeOssie, Michael Johnson, and Ahmad Bradshaw all played a role in the Giants Super Bowl 42 win over the then undefeated New England Patriots.

Aaron Ross was a starting cornerback for 2 super bowl teams that allowed no more then 17 points to two separate Tom Brady led offenses. He played particularly well down the stretch and into the 2011 playoffs. Ross started 43 games for the Giants intercepting 11 passes and scoring 2 touchdowns.

Steve Smith became the Giants first pro-bowl wide receiver since 1968 when he was selected in 2009. That year Smith caught 107 passes for 1220 and 7 touchdowns. His play to dive for a first down in Super Bowl 42 is overshadowed by Plaxico Burress’ touchdown on the next play but it was a huge play. Smith played 4 years with the Giants racking up 220 catches for 2,386 yards and 11 touchdowns, primarily as a slot receiver.

Jay Alford never put together much of a career but his ferocious sack of Tom Brady, late in Super Bowl 42, will forever be remembered by Giant fans.

Kevin Boss got his shot as a rookie when tight end Jeremy Shockey went down with a leg injury late in the year. Boss’ calm demeanor, blocking ability, and soft hands helped a maturing Eli Manning find his groove in the absence of the hot-headed Shockey. His 45 yard catch and run in Super Bowl 42 is his most memorable play in Blue. Over 4 seasons with New York Boss accumulated 119 catches for 1600 yards and 18 touchdowns.

Zak DeOssie sits alongside Eli Manning as the longest tenured Giants. DeOssie has done an excellent job as a long snapping specialist and has eliminated any residual thoughts of the Trey Junkin debacle ( I’m sorry for bringing that up). He is rarely in the box score but he does get down the field well to make the occasional tackle from his long snapping spot. He has been a captain for several years now.

Michael Johnson started 35 games over 3 seasons in New York before flaming out in Detroit. Johnson was a big hitter, especially for his wirey frame. He did a great job filling in late in 2007, the Giants never skipped a beat when he came in to play.

Ahmad Bradshaw played 84 games as a member of the Giants. His fierce running style and passion was often unmatched on the football field. He currently sits 6th all-time for Giants rushing yards with 4,232 yards to go along with 36 touchdowns. Bradshaw added an additional 1,087 yards and 3 touchdowns as a receiver. In 111 rushing attempts over 9 playoff games Bradshaw averaged 4.3 yards per carry.

Offensive tackle Adam Koets was the only member of this draft class that did not contribute to the Giants Super Bowl 42 victory and

Takeaways from this draft: Reese got immediate returns from 7 out of 8 draft picks. That is unheard of. 3 of these rookies contributed to Super Bowl 42 and Super Bowl 46. A top 10 franchise running back, a corner who started for 2 super bowl teams, and a special team captain who has lasted nearly a decade. Extremely successful draft.

Next: 2008 Draft Class