Top 15 draft picks in NY Giants history
NY Giants: 4. Quarterback Phil Simms
As we’re getting to the final four of the top 15 draft picks in Giants history, there’s a famous quote for players in this franchise that played their entire career with Big Blue. I’m sure you’ve heard it, “Once a Giant, Always a Giant” as of course, I kept the final four specifically for the four legendary players that were drafted by the Giants and played their entire careers here.
Quarterback Phil Simms spent 14 years with the Giants and was the face of the franchise that led the franchise to a ton of playoff appearances and two Super Bowl championships. Simms was a first-round pick back in the 1979 NFL Draft and at the time, was considered one of the best college quarterbacks in the country.
Simms absolutely thrived with the Giants and was so much fun to watch doing what he did best. He totaled 33,462 passing yards, a 55.4 completion percentage, 199 touchdowns, and 157 interceptions. Simms put up many winning seasons for the Giants and won it all back in 1986 and 1990 when everything came together.
It’s crazy to think after all Simms accomplished on the Giants, he’s still not in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Hopefully, he gets in one of these days, maybe even with Banks at the same time to give these amazing football players the respect they deserve.
NY Giants: 3. Defensive End Michael Strahan
Just like Simms, defensive end Michael Strahan also enjoyed 14 years with the Giants as he was truly one of the best to ever do it. As a second-round pick in the 1993 NFL Draft, at the time, NFL critics and pundits all didn’t think Strahan had what it took to make it and thrive in the pros.
At 6-5 and 255 lbs, Strahan silenced all the naysayers with his elite play at defensive end and having a knack for taking down opposing quarterbacks. When his team needed it most in 2007, Strahan delivered in the most important game of the season, Super Bowl XLII, by rallying his defense to not give up in one of those most thrilling championship games ever.
The Giants defeated the New England Patriots 17-14 where Brady and company were on their way to the NFL history books with a perfect season on the line. Strahan had some key defensive stops and even sacked Brady to help give the Giants that shot they needed to do the unthinkable.
Not only did the Giants win it all but Strahan retired to drive into the sunset as a champion after he decided to put his 14-year career in the books. Strahan made it into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and is quite the popular face on TV, NFL pregame/postgame shows, and more. He’s been staying very busy after his playing days were over and continues to speak highly of his time on Giants to this very day.