New York Giants: Top 15 first-round draft picks all-time

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 04: Odell Beckham No. 13 of the New York Giants makes a catch in the third quarter during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on December 4, 2016 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 04: Odell Beckham No. 13 of the New York Giants makes a catch in the third quarter during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on December 4, 2016 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /
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Mathias Kiwanuka, New York Giants
Mathias Kiwanuka, New York Giants. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

31. . Defensive End. Boston College Eagles, 2006. Mathias Kiwanuka. 13. player

The Giants selected defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka with the last pick in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft. The decision was questioned by many, especially given the depth of New York’s edge rushers.

General manager Dave Gettleman, who was the team’s pro personnel director at the time, recalled the selection during his introductory press conference this past December, via New York’s team website.

"“You can never have too many great players at one position. I mean, you think about us – we got (Michael) Strahan and Osi (Umenyiora) and we’re drafting (Justin) Tuck and we’re drafting (Mathias) Kiwanuka and people are looking at us like we have brain damage. You can never have too many great players at one position.”"

The move clearly worked out, as Kiwanuka proved to be a vital piece for the G-Men for many years. The former Big East Defensive Player of the Year out of Boston College would go on to win two Super Bowl rings with the Giants and finish his career with ninth most sacks (38.5) in franchise history, according to Pro Football Reference.

Kiwanuka’s ability to play both defensive end and linebacker for the Giants was a huge bonus. His presence allowed fellow pass rushers like Strahan, Tuck, Osi Umenyiora and Jason Pierre-Paul to flourish.

Kiwanuka spent his entire nine-year career with the Giants, playing in 126 games. His versatility in the front-seven and being the ultimate glue guy helped the Giants win two Super Bowls in his time with the team. That era of Giants pass rush was absolutely filthy. Kiwanuka was a huge part of that position group’s success, so he gets the nod here at No. 13.