New York Giants: Top 10 Third Round Draft Picks of All-Time
By Neal Lynch
9. Stephen Baker, Fresno State Bulldogs (1987)
Games: 90
Approximate Value: 27
Average AV Per Season: 5
The Giants picked Fresno State’s Stephen Baker 83rd overall in the 3rd round of the 1987 NFL Draft, one selection ahead of eventual Giant free agent signing, LSU linebacker Michael Brooks to the Denver Broncos.
At Fresno State, Baker’s 844 receiving yards in 1985 were second most in the conference, while his 785 yards the following season was good enough for 4th conference-wide. His 29.1 yards per catch were tops in the NCAA in 1985 and his 23.8 yards per reception in 1986 was second nationwide and tops in the Pacific Coast Athletic Association. From 1976 to 2000, Baker was also first in punt returns, punt return yards, yards per return, and punt return touchdowns in the PCAA and Big West.
Baker had three decent seasons for Big Blue in 1988, 1990, and 1991. In six seasons, he had more than 140 catches for almost 2,600 yards. His 7 touchdown catches in 1988 were 9th most in the league and his 17.5 yards per reception in 1991 was sixth highest league-wide. Stephen’s touchdown grab in Super Bowl XXV is one of the most memorable in Giants history.
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