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NY Giants: 5 biggest ‘what-ifs?’ in NFL Draft history

By Stephen Samra

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: Saquon Barkley of Penn State poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked #2 overall by the New York Giants during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: Saquon Barkley of Penn State poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked #2 overall by the New York Giants during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /
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Laremy Tunsil of Ole Miss holds up a jersey after being picked #13 overall by the Miami Dolphins  (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)
Laremy Tunsil of Ole Miss holds up a jersey after being picked #13 overall by the Miami Dolphins  (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images) /

4) What if they drafted Laremy Tunsil?

The Giants were given a surprise from the heavens when Laremy Tunsil fell on draft night due to a leaked video. The video proved to be harmless and dated, but it was enough to deter the team from the prospect.

In need of an offensive lineman after Reese’s failed rebuild of the positional group, the best tackle prospect in the draft fell into their lap. Instead of taking a chance on Tunsil, the Giants took a chance on a cornerback many didn’t even have as a first rounder.

The NY Giants’ GM panicked and selected Ohio State’s Eli Apple, who proved to be one of the biggest reaches in team history. His immaturity and ineffective play caused plenty of drama – opposing teams scoring touchdowns and fights with teammates spilling over into the public eye.

Tunsil was finally selected 13th overall by the Miami Dolphins, where he turned into one of the league’s best. When he no longer fit their plans, he was flipped to the Houston Texans for two first round picks.

The offensive tackle could’ve changed the fate of the Giants’ offense – giving Eli Manning plenty of time to get the ball to Odell Beckham Jr. and Sterling Shepard. Instead of trotting out a turnstile at left tackle every week, the Giants would’ve had a franchise cornerstone instead.

Apple was a terrible pick in his own right, but passing on Tunsil to select him makes matters that much worse.

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