Over the decades, the New York Giants have built a proud legacy, filled with Super Bowl titles, Hall of Fame players, and unforgettable moments. But even storied franchises have their missteps—especially when it comes to the NFL Draft. Longtime analyst Byron Jones compiled a definitive list of the Top 10 Worst Draft Picks in Giants History, highlighting selections that failed to meet expectations, missed the mark, or simply left fans shaking their heads.
Here’s a look at Jones’ infamous list:
1. Rocky Thompson – WR/KR/RB, West Texas State (1st Round, 1971)
Possibly the most glaring bust in Giants draft history, Thompson was picked for his speed but lacked the skills to translate it into NFL production. He lasted just two seasons and never found a clear role on offense or special teams. His inability to catch or run effectively made him a permanent footnote in Giants lore.
2. Larry Jacobson – DL, Nebraska (1st Round, 1972)
Coming off a dominant college career at Nebraska, Jacobson entered the NFL with high expectations. But injuries and inconsistency plagued his pro career. He started just 17 games in three seasons and never developed into the disruptive force the Giants envisioned.
3. Eldridge Small – DB, Texas A&I (1st Round, 1972)
A rare case where the Giants had two first-rounders in 1972—and both flopped. Small was a raw athlete who never found his footing in the secondary. In three seasons, he recorded just one interception, and his lack of instincts doomed his tenure in New York.
4. John Hicks – OT, Ohio State (1st Round, 1974)
Although Hicks was a college standout and runner-up for the Heisman Trophy, his NFL career was underwhelming. Drafted to solidify the offensive line, Hicks never made a Pro Bowl and played just six seasons, failing to become the anchor the Giants needed.
5. Cedric Jones – DE, Oklahoma (1st Round, 1996)
With Simeon Rice still on the board, the Giants stunned everyone by selecting Cedric Jones. He never lived up to his billing, recording just 15 sacks in five seasons. His lack of explosiveness and poor pass-rushing technique made him a major first-round flop.
6. Ron Dayne – RB, Wisconsin (1st Round, 2000)
Known as “The Great Dayne” in college, Ron Dayne won the Heisman and broke rushing records at Wisconsin. But in the NFL, his bruising style lacked burst, and he was outperformed by Tiki Barber. The “Thunder and Lightning” backfield never struck as expected.
7. Thomas Lewis – WR, Indiana (1st Round, 1994)
Drafted for speed and potential, Lewis never materialized into a consistent threat. Injuries and underperformance defined his five-year stint, and he never topped 500 receiving yards in a season.
8. Derek Brown – TE, Notre Dame (1st Round, 1992)
At 6’6”, Brown looked like the next great pass-catching tight end. But he never developed chemistry with his quarterbacks and caught only 11 passes in his rookie season. He was waived just three years after being drafted.
9. Dave Brown – QB, Duke (Supplemental 1st Round, 1992)
One of the most controversial picks, Brown was taken in the supplemental draft, costing the Giants a future first-rounder. Despite some early promise, his lack of accuracy and poor decision-making derailed his career. He finished with 44 touchdowns and 58 interceptions in New York.
10. Eldra Buckley – [Honorable Mention]
While not officially on Jones’ list, Buckley represents the kind of reach that typifies some of the team’s lower-round draft misfires over the years. Though not a high pick, his short stint and minimal impact continue to reflect poor depth evaluation in some Giants eras.
Final Thoughts
Every franchise has draft regrets, but for the Giants, these selections stand out as moments when potential never turned into production. Byron Jones’ list is a harsh—but honest—reminder that even the most storied franchises can swing and miss on draft day. For Big Blue fans, it’s a painful walk down memory lane—but one that underscores the importance of smart scouting, patience, and a little luck.
