New York Giants: Top 10 Fifth Round Draft Picks of All-Time
By Neal Lynch
1. David Diehl – G, Illinois Fighting Illini (2003)
Games: 164
Approximate Value w/ Giants: 86
Seasons w/ Giants: 10
Average AV Per Season: 8
Drafted by the New York Giants in the 5th round (160th overall) of the 2003 NFL Draft, a handful of picks before the New England Patriots selected Boston College center Dan Koppen.
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In 11 seasons with Big Blue, Diehl started 160 of 164 games played. Though, his most valuable season came in 2008 when he was second-team All-NFL according to the Associated Press, his lone Pro Bowl appearance came for his play in 2009.
In 2005, Diehl helped the division-winning Giants offense to the third most points scored and the fourth most total yards in the league. That unit also had the 6th most rushing yards in the NFL (2,209) and third highest rushing yards per attempt. Eli Manning was only sacked 28 times, which was tied for 6th least in the league.
In 2008, Diehl was instrumental in leading the Giants offense to the third most points scored and the 7th most total yards in the league. The rushing attack was #1 in rushing yards (2,500+) – with two backs (Brandon Jacobs, Derrick Ward) topping 1,000 yards – and yards per attempt. Again, Manning was only sacked 28 times.
Next: Top 10 Giants 4th Round Draft Picks of All-Time
The following season, in 2009, Diehl was a prominent member of a Giants offense that was 8th in points scored and total yards. The line gave up 32 sacks, which was in the top third for fewest allowed.