New York Giants: The Draft History of Jerry Reese
By Jesse Connor
Aug 10, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Giants tackle Will Beatty (65) blocks against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
2009 Draft Class
Hakeem Nicks’ tenure with the Giants ended with a bit of a disappointment. Though most players would not consider a near 900 yard season a disappointment. Nicks is arguably one of the best draft picks of Reese’s tenure. His performance in the 2011 playoffs alone was worth his first round selection. Will Beatty was selected on the second round and has been a starter since 2011.
Hakeem Nicks averaged 924 yards per season with Big Blue despite only starting 6 games as a rookie and catching only 56 passes in 2013. With back to back 1,000+ yard seasons in 2010 and 2011 Nicks scored 18 touchdowns and looked to be a sure fire star for years. In the 2011 playoff Nicks had an incredible catch and run vs the Atlanta Falcons as well as the Green Bay Packers. He also went up and pulled down a hail Mary pass to end the first half surrounded by Green Bay defenders. In Super Bowl 46 he pulled in 10 catches for 109 yards, bringing his postseason total up to 28 catches for 444 yards and 4 touchdowns. For anyone who turned on him due to a below average 2013 and an injury drained career should simply look back to that winter.
Will Beatty came to the Giants as the second 2nd round pick of this draft. He saw playing time as a rookie and then played in every game of his sophomore campaign. By his third year in the league Beatty was the starting left tackle for the G-Men. Beatty may find himself on the right side of the line when he comes back this season due to the arrival of rookie Ereck Flowers but his return will certaintly be well welcomed by the organization and fans. 6 years and 82 game (and counting) is a great return on an investment.
Take aways from this draft: A number one receiver who balled out in the playoffs and dominated the league for a few seasons. A starting left tackle. Very good draft.
Next: 2010 Draft Class