Decade by Decade: New York Giants' best first-round pick of the 2000s
Giants Wire is taking a look back at New York's draft history, highlighting the best first-round pick from each decade, continuing with the 2000s.
Next up in the New York Giants ' best first-round picks of the 2000s is tight end Jeremy Shockey, one of the most impactful and recognizable players the franchise drafted in that era. Yes, you're probably wondering what about Eli Manning, but remember, he was not a Giants draft pick -- he was a draft-day trade, acquired from the then-San Diego Chargers. From the moment he arrived in 2002, Shockey brought a different kind of energy to the Giants' offense.
He wasn't just productive, he was loud, physical, emotional, and impossible to ignore. That edge helped redefine the tight end position in New York, giving the team a weapon who could stretch the field and deliver punishing blocks in the run game. Shockey made an immediate impact, winning the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year award while also earning First-Team All-Pro honors.
He quickly became a favorite target and a tone-setter, making the Pro Bowl four times (2002, 2003, 2005, 2006) and earning recognition as one of the league’s premier tight ends during his prime. . @JeremyShockey delivered one of the meanest trucks ever in his rookie year.
(Dec. 22, 2002) @Giants pic. twitter.