New York Giants: Top 5 third-round draft picks since 2000

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – SEPTEMBER 15: Cornerback Will Peterson #24 of the New York Giants tackles runningback Troy Hambrick #42 of the Dallas Cowboys on September 15, 2003 at Giant Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Cowboys defeated the Giants 35-32 in overtime. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

4. player. 31. . Cornerback. Western Illinois, 2001. Will Peterson

Will Peterson didn’t have a tremendous career with the New York Giants, but the 2001 third-round pick out Western Illinois did play 10 seasons in the NFL.

He spent five of those seasons with Big Blue, starting 39 games. He would go on to play for the Philadelphia Eagles, Jacksonville Jaguars, Detroit Lions, and San Francisco 49ers before finishing his career in 2010.

Peterson, who now goes by William James, was in the news in 2013 for failing to file his federal income tax. During his NFL career, he was not an off-field concern, like 2013 third-round pick Damontre Moore.

Injuries plagued the 6-foot, 200-pound corner, but when healthy he proved himself a valuable asset. He played in 97 games, recording 334 tackles, 50 passes defended, and eight interceptions.

His 32 passes defended in a New York Giants uniform places him 10th in franchise history, according to Pro Football Reference. Landon Collins and Janoris Jenkins could quickly surpass him in 2018, but that doesn’t diminish what Peterson did in his career.

Giants fans are hoping Beal can work his way up that list. The 21-year-old still has a long road ahead.

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