New York Giants: Top 15 first-round draft picks all-time
By Henry Buggy
14. player. 31. . Cornerback. Texas Longhorns, 2007. Aaron Ross
Aaron Ross’ tenure with the Giants was short for a first-round pick, but that doesn’t mean he didn’t have an impact.
After winning a National Championship and the Jim Thorpe Award as a member of the Texas Longhorns, Ross was the 20th overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft. He immediately made an impact in his rookie year, starting 12 games, including New York’s Super Bowl XLII upset win over the undefeated New England Patriots.
An argument could be made for 1983 first-round pick, former Clemson Tigers safety standout Terry Kinard, to take this spot, but Ross’ impact over the course of six seasons is undeniable. Although he was never named to a Pro Bowl like Kinard, Ross started in eight playoff games, including two Super Bowl victories.
Big Blue had 17 of the same players on their rosters in both 2007 and 2011. Only Mathias Kiwanuka, Ross, and Eli Manning were first-round picks. Ross and Manning were the only two to start in both Super Bowls, as Kiwanuka had his season cut short in 2007 due to a broken leg.
Ross also had two of his best statistical seasons in both 2007 and 2011, recording a combined 92 tackles, 22 passes defended, and seven interceptions.
His career numbers may not jump off the page like Kinard, but Giants fans know how much of an impact Ross had during New York’s two Super Bowl runs.