Decade by Decade: New York Giants' best first-round pick of the 2000s

TL;DR

The New York Giants' best first-round pick of the 2000s is tight end Jeremy Shockey, who transformed the team's offense since his arrival in 2002. Eli Manning, although a key player, was acquired through a trade and not drafted by the Giants.

Key points

Jeremy Shockey is the best first-round pick of the 2000s for the Giants.
Eli Manning was acquired through a trade, not drafted.
Shockey brought energy and productivity to the Giants' offense.
He helped redefine the tight end position in New York.
Shockey joined the Giants in 2002.

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New York GiantsJeremy ShockeyEli Manning

Decade by Decade: New York Giants' best first-round pick of 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.