New York Giants: Top 10 First Round Draft Picks of All-Time
By Mike Luca
9. Rodney Hampton, RB (1990, #24)
Hampton isn’t as renowned as Super Bowl XXV MVP Ottis Anderson. His numbers and mouth aren’t as decorated as franchise-leader Tiki Barber. However, in an era that better valued running backs in first rounds, Hampton adequately spelled the former and subtly paved the way for the latter.
RUSHING TOUCHDOWNS:
1991 – 10 (5th in NFL)
1992 – 14 (2nd in NFL)
1995 – 10 (8th in NFL)
His 729 scrimmage yards were a welcomed bonus in his rookie campaign that ended in a Lombardi Trophy, while his 6,897 rushing total still accounts for second in team history. His charitable dedication to the community also speaks for itself.
RUSHING YARDS:
1991 – 1,059 (4th in NFL)
1992 – 1,141 (9th in NFL)
1993 – 1,077 (7th in NFL)
1994 – 1,075 (7th in NFL)
1995 – 1,182 (8th in NFL)
Most underrated is Hampton’s fumble rate as a Giants running back with 100+ games under his belt: merely 0.17 fumbles per game in 104 career contests, half the number of Barber’s and second only to Joe Morrison (0.15 FPG in 186 games).
RUSHING YARDS PER GAME:
1991 – 75.6 (5th in NFL)
1992 – 71.3 (10th in NFL)
1993 – 89.8 (3rd in NFL)
1994 – 76.8 (7th in NFL)
1995 – 73.9 (9th in NFL)
The lifelong Giant and two-time Pro Bowler should still be highly regarded by fans as serviceable, dependable and memorable. Though, most of his career came during a hectic period in franchise history, Hampton was the constant.
TOUCHES:
1991 – 309 (4th in NFL)
1993 – 310 (6th in NFL)
1994 – 341 (7th in NFL)
1995 – 330 (10th in NFL)
Next: EYE OF THE LSU TIGER