2. Brandon Jacobs, RB, 2005 NFL Draft: 4th Round (110 Overall)
One of the best running backs in franchise history didn’t come off the board until the 110th pick of the 2005 NFL Draft.
As a rookie, Brandon Jacobs only recorded 99 rushing yards on 38 carries, but found the endzone 7 times. The next season, his output grew to 423 yards and 9 touchdowns despite being the backup to an aging Tiki Barber.
Jacobs took over the starting role in 2007 where he posted almost 1,200 scrimmage yards and 6 total touchdowns during the regular season and added another 226 scrimmage yards and 4 total touchdowns in the playoffs.
In 2008, he would record his second consecutive 1,000 yard rushing season and add an impressive 15 scores on the ground.
He would add over 2,500 scrimmage yards and 23 total touchdowns in his final three seasons as a Giant from 2009-2011. He made a brief return in 2013 where he recorded 238 yards and 4 scores in limited action.
https://twitter.com/Giants/status/1291524456314073088
Jacobs currently sits at No. 4 on the franchise’s all-time rushing yards list with 5,087 and is No.1 in franchise history with 60 rushing touchdowns.
There is no doubt about it that Jacobs is a true Giant and will always and forever bleed blue. His rare linebacker size mixed with running back abilities was special to watch and he was a passionate, vocal leader for this team during his 8-year career in East Rutherford.
For all that he meant to this team on top of what he was able to accomplish on the field, it’s pretty obvious Jacobs was not just one of the best late round picks in the last 20 years, but one of the best overall picks for this franchise in that time frame.