Dave Gettleman’s terrible NFL Draft picks sinking NY Giants in 2021

LB Ryan Connelly (5.5, 2019)

Very much an under-the-radar pick out of Wisconsin, Connelly wound up as one of the Giants starting inside linebackers in week 2 of his rookie year due to a plethora of injuries. Surprisingly, he played fairly well, collecting 18 total tackles, two interceptions and a sack over three starts before he suffered a season-ending injury.

To some surprise, he was waived in the offseason and claimed by the Minnesota Vikings, where he’s since established himself as a quality special teams player.

Similar to the deal with McIntosh, missing the mark on a 5th rounder isn’t the end of the world. But the fact that there were a few notable players of the same position that could’ve been picked there makes the selection of Connelly that much more of a shortcoming for Gettleman.

One player that sticks out is LB Dre Greenlaw (5.10), who’s become a strong piece for the Niners defense since his rookie year.

Other potential picks: LB Andrew Van Ginkel (5.13), LB Mack Wilson (5.17)