Who Is The Best Tight End In NY Giants Franchise History?
Understandably, quarterback, running back, and wide receiver seem to be getting all the attention. However, with Darren Waller’s future in question, the New York Giants may have a need for the tight end position as well. This got us thinking about the great Giants tight-end players in franchise history.
#89 and #80 certainly come to mind. Furthermore, what’s unique about the guys who have played tight end for Big Blue is that some of those that were not huge names did have huge plays in Super Bowl seasons. For example, in the 2008 Super Bowl vs. the big bad undefeated New England Patriots, Kevin Boss had one catch for 45 yards, which was a crucial moment in winning the big game.
Before we spend too much time in the past here, let’s look at the current Giants tight-end room. Even if Waller is there, he has often been injured. Daniel Bellinger had a great rookie season but was impacted by injuries last year as well. Recently, they signed Chris Manhertz and Jack Stoll.
Regardless, in any era, the Giants’ tight-end spot is a very important position. It provides stability to the offense and gives the quarterback another weapon, especially in the red zone.
Here Are Giants Tight End Players Who Were The Best
#4 Howard Cross
Cross was consistently a tough blocker who won a Super Bowl with the team in 1990. He also had over 200 receptions over his 13 years in the NFL, all of which were with the Giants. #87 currently serves as a sideline reporter for Giants game days.
#3 Aaron Thomas
Thomas is maybe the lesser-known name of the bunch. He played in New York from 1962-1970. During this time, he scored 35 touchdowns and was named to the Pro Bowl. Of the Giants tight ends of mention, Thomas had the most touchdowns.
#2 Jeremy Shockey
Perhaps more like #1a. Shockey was must-see TV during his six seasons with the Giants. #80 was loud, full of energy, and electric on the field. Though he did technically win a Super Bowl with the team, he was injured and did not play in the game. As dynamic as Shockey was for New York, you can’t help but wish he had more time on the team.
#1 Mark Bavaro
Just tough as nails. If Rocky Balboa played in the NFL it was Mark Bavaro. It’s hard to think of #89 and have Bavaro pop right to mind. He was a very important part of the team’s first two Super Bowl victories. Surprisingly, Bavaro too played just six season in New York. He hauled in 28 touchdowns and is in the team’s ring of honor.
Redrafting Each Of The Giants First Round Picks The Past 5 Years
This is the time of year when sports talk starts to get dominated by NFL draft talk. Speculation and theories galore factor into analysts’ suggestions on who each time will or should take. Here, we will “redraft” all of the Giants first round picks of the past five years. The team is an important spot this year, with high hopes that they will get it right and set the franchise up for future success.
Let’s face it: it’s been a tumultuous ride since the GMen last won the Super Bowl in 2012. It has been a roller coaster of sorts, where certain players have unexpectedly succeeded, and many have not met expectations. What’s unique about analyzing the top picks since 2019 is that it covers different front office staffs. Dave Gettleman was the team’s General Manager from 2018 to 2021. Joe Schoen then took over in 2022. In addition, the past five years have seen three different head coaches. Pat Shurmur and Joe Judge each had less-than-successful two-year runs before Brian Daboll came in.
Of course, much of the draft discussion revolves around quarterbacks. The Giants are no exception to this. In fact, what to do with often-injured Daniel Jones is one of the two primary topics this off-season (the other being Saquon Barkley).
Our Redrafting Guidelines
As acting GM from 2019 on, this exercise considers the success players have had in the NFL over the past five seasons. It’s important to note that each player listed below that we are saying the Giants should have selected was drafted after the choice they actually made. In other words, the Giants passed on each of these players.
Now, with the NFL combine underway, pro days coming up, and prospective meetings, there is a ton of due diligence that goes into each team’s draft process. While no team bats a thousand each year, the preparation the organization does pre-draft is essential to creating a plan that is best for the team. Furthermore, the GM and player personnel departments need to be ready to adjust and make quick decisions based on what happened in the current draft before their pick. This is where the Giants fell short (mostly in the Gettleman days) in years past, and had to make a panic move.
Nonetheless, as we wait for this year’s big draft day in Detroit, here are our Giants 1st round redraft picks from the five previous years. Imagine this: the Giants could have had Justin Herbert passing to Garrett Wilson, with Micah Parson patrolling the defense.
Jeff Gorra is a Boston-based writer who has been with Beasley Media Group since the beginning of 2023. He writes about restaurants and food, as well as sports and rock music. His experience also includes show hosting and in-depth creative writing in rock and reggae dub music. Jeff’s an avid surfer, New York Giants, and Pearl Jam fan, however, if you make unforgettable pizza, he is sure to find you.
