It's amazing the conversations that come up over a couple of beers with a buddy. Last night it turned to the top ten first round picks for our NY Giants during the Super Bowl era---I really have little actual knowledge of their picks before that. Obviously I know guys like Frank Gifford were tremendous players, just a bit before my time. So, that being said, here is my list;
1) Lawrence Taylor. Easy choice here (by the way----the guy out in San Diego who sits out playoff games because he is banged up is NOT LT!!). The real LT is arguably the greatest defensive player ever and easily the Giants best ever.
2) Phil Simms. Simms is a very underrated player. He mastered playing in the wind at Giants stadium and when the Giants made their championship runs in the 80's, Simms was a huge part. Lets not forget he may have played the best Super Bowl of any Quarterback----22-25, 267 and three TD's!
3) Eli Manning. I know people around here love to rip Eli, but in four full seasons as a starter he is 41-23, has two division titles, four straight playoff appearences, and of course, a Super Bowl MVP trophy. Very few QB's can make that statement!
4) Carl Banks. Like all Giants fans, I love great linebackers and Banks was great. He helped the Giants win two Super Bowls and was named to the NFL all 80's team.
5) Rodney Hampton. He was a two time pro bowler who rushed for just under 7000 yards. Unfortunately, he career was cut short due to injury. On a personal note, I had the pleasure of meeting him at a Giants camp years ago and he is a hell of a nice guy.
6) Jeremy Shockey. I know, I know----the guy is a jerk who whined his way out of town, but we all know that despite his flaws (stupid penalties, dropped passes, etc) the guy could play football.
7) Brad Van Pelt. Another great Giants linebacker.
8)) Luke Petitgout. He was an outstanding left tackle for the Giants for years----he was rock solid when healthy.
9) Ike Hilliard. He may not have justified his status as the seventh overall pick of the 1997 draft, but Hilliard was a very solid receiver who helped the Giants reach Super Bowl XXXV. He had 27 TD's and 368 receptions with the Giants.
10) William Roberts. (Remember, I never said these were all-time greats, just the best first rounders during the modern era). He helped the Giants win two Super Bowls and was a pro bowl selection in 1990.
So, this is my list for what it is worth. There were certainly other players who could easily have made this list; Mark Haynes, Mark Ingram, Shawn Willams and others, but this is what I came up with. The Giants also had some notable busts during this period; Jarrod Bunch and Dave Brown come to mind.
Anyhow, feel free to rip this list, agree with it or something in the middle----makes for a good argument, but better over a few cold beers!
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