New York Giants: The Draft History of Jerry Reese
By Jesse Connor
Sep 8, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
2010 Draft Class
The 2010 Draft class brought in one of the largest contributors to the 2011 Super Bowl run and a run stuffing, space eating defensive tackle that was a force all throughout his Giants tenure.
Jason Pierre-Paul arrived on the scene as a very raw talent but still managed to get to the quarterback 4.5 times without starting a single game. 2011 was his breakout season as the South Florida product blew up backfields all season with 16.5 sacks and tons of hustle plays all over the field. He came up with a huge blocked kick against the Cowboys to save the Giants season and keep them alive in the playoff hunt. Without his stellar play all season the Giants do not even make it to Super Bowl 46, nevermind win it. That season alone makes this pick a home run.
Linval Joseph is another quiet guy who consistently made play after play. In 4 years with the Giants Joseph anchored the middle of a defensive line that consistently pressured quarterbacks and stuffed the run. His numbers don’t reflect his high level of play, most defensive tackles don’t. He is the best defensive tackle Jerry Reese has drafted.
Takeaways from this draft : A defensive end who saved a Super Bowl season from prematurely ending while playing at an elite level who also produced two 12+ sack seasons. A defensive tackle that ate blockers and space while controlling and stopping the run. Very good draft.
Next: 2011 Draft Class