Top 10 New York Giants Franchise Players

Here's a ranking of the 10 most important players for the New York Football Giants franchise going forwards. Obviously, many other players have been left out because I chose the 10 most valuable players in my opinion. Feel free to disagree as long as you can support your assertions.

Who do you think are some honorable mentions, at the very least?

Based on the players listed, we're clearly lacking some important role players so please comment on which positions we could add some 'franchise players'. These aren't quite NFL Icons like in the Madden videogames, but more so guys who are most important to the Giants success as a team over the next ten years.

I left Plaxico Burress off the ranks for obvious reasons. He would most definitely be listed if his legal status was set in stone. However, I'm dealing with the current roster assuming Brandon Jacobs is retained (which I fully expect).

Enjoy Giants and NFL fans alike!

The Captain

Simply put, Eli Manning is the face of the franchise. Sure he's skittish at times, not the best fit for the media, and doesn't have the strongest arm but Big Blue will live and die by his performance. He doesn't get fazed easily, which is important for a quarterback in New York.

Tuck's Rule

He's only had one full season starting and posted 12.5 sacks. He is not the heart of the defense yet, but his time is soon. Tuck is already a fan favorite for his dominating performance in Super Bowl 42 and can only build upon that with an impressive NFL career with the G-Men.

Earth

Remember when people said Brandon Jacobs couldn't even become an NFL halfback? They wanted him to convert to tight end, fullback, and even an offensive lineman. Tell that to LaRon Landry, big fella. He's an incredible physical specimen and combines freakish power with agile feet. Jacobs is truly a New York GIANT.

I hope Jerry Reese can lock him up for the long term.

76

Chris Snee is often called dirty, nasty, and downright angry. These are three adjectives that make it easy for Giants fans and coaches to buy into. He's one of the best guards in the NFL and a major reason why our running backs have so much success pounding the rock. Snee is a focal point on the offensive line.

Jeremy Who?

He's the new Boss in town. Kevin may not be the dynamic playmaker that Shockey was for one season (his rookie year) but he makes plays and is a big target who gets open for Eli Manning. Combine agile feet, decent hops, and soft hands making for a productive NFL tight tend. Kudos to Jerry Reese for snagging this former Division II basketball player.

C-Webb... Not Chris

Talk about a revelation. I never gave up on this kid-I remember the performance he had against the Seahawks in 2006 (Feely's choke job...) when he picked off Hasselbeck with one hand. Giants fans called for his head at the start of the season when number one pick Aaron Ross outplayed the former LSU stand-out.

In the 2007 post-season and into the 2008 season, Webster played like the true no. 1 corner that former GM Ernie Accorsi envisioned. Now the Giants have a true playmaker at CB. He's here to stay, as proven in the long term deal he signed with the Giants this season.

You Can Never Have Enough...

Pass Rushers! Osi Umenyiora may have been (or not) forgotten by Giants fans this season, but he'll be back next and beyond. He will be a bookend next to Justin Tuck for the long term. Remember that six-sack performance against McNabb? Too bad we couldn't get that in this year's divisional round...

Ross to the House

He had a down year in 2008, trust me. This kid is too quick, intelligent, and talented to be given up on now. Aaron Ross and Corey Webster are one of the best CB tandems in the league, so we're blessed to have them in blue. His ability to pick off the pass and take it back to the house is a reason why I think Ross has the potential to be our best CB down the road. As for now, I don't see it as a problem when he's no. 2 to Corey Webster (No. 6 on this list).

KP 21

When Steve Spagnuolo was still defensive coordinator for the Giants, he lobbied hard for the front office to pick up Kenny Phillips out of the 'U.' In his rookie year, Phillips displayed some of the skills that Spagnuolo and the scouts had been enamored with. He's an excellent tackler, has great range in covering receivers deep, and uses his hands when going after the ball. From the limited snaps I've seen Phillips patrol, he has the potential to become a great safety in the NFL.

The Other Steve Smith

Sure, he's not our number 1 WR and may never be... Do we really need him to be? Smith should be considered a franchise player because of what he can do. He runs tight routes, gets open, has reliable hands, and can slip tackles after the catch picking up the ever important YAC (yards after the catch). His USC pedigree shows in his game as he shows up to work and has acclimated to the Giants playbook and Eli Manning quite well. Manning and Smith have a special rapport together that can only get better.