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

By Henry Buggy

KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 30: Lorenzo Carter #7 of the Georgia Bulldogs reacts after recovering a fumble in the second quarter of a game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 30: Lorenzo Carter #7 of the Georgia Bulldogs reacts after recovering a fumble in the second quarter of a game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 05: Defensive end Justin Tuck #91 of the New York Giants celebrates after sacking Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots in the third quarter during Super Bowl XLVI at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 5, 2012 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 05: Defensive end Justin Tuck #91 of the New York Giants celebrates after sacking Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots in the third quarter during Super Bowl XLVI at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 5, 2012 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

Notre Dame, 2005. Justin Tuck. 1. player. 31. . Defensive End

This list magnifies New York’s poor draft decisions since 2000. It also highlights the team’s need for their three third-round rookies to break the trend moving forward.

But it’s not like the Giants have struck out on all their third-round picks since 2000. The first four players on this list have all proven themselves valuable assets. However, none are in the same stratosphere as Justin Tuck.

While Reese may have found a key piece to New York’s Super Bowl XLVI win in Manningham, Accorsi hit a grand slam selecting Tuck in the third round of 2005 NFL Draft.

The 6-foot-5, 268-pound pass rusher was not only a game-changer on the field but a leader in the locker room. He spent nine seasons with the G-Men, winning two Super Bowl titles.

Tuck still holds the sixth most sacks (60.5) and third most forced fumbles (18) in franchise history, according to Pro Football Reference. He was inducted into the Giants Ring of Honor in 2016.

Without Tuck, who knows if the Giants have four Lombardi Trophies. In his two Super Bowl appearances, he sacked Tom Brady four times and recorded three tackles for a loss.

Next: New York Giants' Top 15 First-Round Draft Picks All-Time

Giants fans can only hope one of the three 2018 third-round picks has the impact of a Justin Tuck. Then again, that will be no easy feat. Tuck is not only the greatest third-round draft selection since 2000, he’s one of the greatest players in franchise history.

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