Who was the best 4th-round draft selection?

by Ed Valentine on Mar 18, 2009 7:00 AM EDT in New York Giants News

Let's continue our look at New York Giants' drafts since 1970. Today, we move to the fourth round.

Look at fourth-round choices in that time period and there are only three players worthy of consideration as the 'best' fourth-round choice of what I have loosely defined as the modern era.

Harry Carson
Mark Bavaro
Brandon Jacobs

There are a couple of other notable names on the list -- linebacker Gary Reasons, quarterback Danny Kanell and safety Gibril Wilson -- but only those three have been true impact players.

Let's look at the case for each player.

Harry Carson (MLB, 1976)

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2006. Along with Sam Huff, one of the two best middle linebackers in Giants' history. From his Giants.com bio, Carson was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection, a two-time all-NFL player and led the Giants in tackles six times. Carson was a tremendous run defender and an anchor of the Giants' defense for 13 seasons.

Mark Bavaro (TE, 1984)

Simply put, the best tight end the Giants have ever had. Yes, including Jeremy Shockey. Bavaro's receiving numbers are dwarfed by Shockey's, but that is a product of the way the tight end was used during Bavaro's career rather than their ability levels. Bavaro, a two-time Pro Bowler could do everything Shockey did during his heyday -- catching, running with the ball and being a devastating blocker -- without the histrionics. In fact, almost without ever saying a word.

Brandon Jacobs (RB, 2005)

The big fella is the heart and soul of the Giants' offense -- whether or not Plaxico Burress is a part of the team. He has gained more than 1,000 yards and averaged exactly 5.0 yards per carry in each of the past two seasons. He sets the aggressive, physical tone for the Giants' offense and they aren't the same without him. Doesn't have the long-term pedigree of Bavaro or Carson, but he might if he can stay healthy long enough.

Poll

Who is the Giants' best fourth-round draft choice since 1970?

Harry Carson

230 votes

Mark Bavaro

47 votes

Brandon Jacobs

35 votes

312 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

As great as all the names are

I can’t see how Harry doesn’t get the nod. Bavaro’s career was cut short by injuries, and at the rate its going, so will Jacobs’.

To me, Harry Carson WAS/IS the New York Giants.

Giants fan from the womb to the tomb

by Jim Schmiedeberg on Mar 18, 2009 8:26 AM EDT reply actions

And by the way

That is a classic picture of Harry

Giants fan from the womb to the tomb

by Jim Schmiedeberg on Mar 18, 2009 8:28 AM EDT reply actions

I love the pic, too

And I agree. I don’t see how a guy who is in the Hall of Fame doesn’t win this.

by Ed Valentine on Mar 18, 2009 8:29 AM EDT up reply actions

I'm 20 years old

But i don’t see why someone wouldn’t vote for Harry Carson regardless of their age. Not only is Harry Carson one of the great players in the history of the franchise.. but he’s one of the great people in the history of the franchise. Whenever I think of Harry Carson I think of that clip of the coin flip in Super Bowl XXI when the Broncos had like 8 captains and the Giants only had Harry Carson. A true leader.

It's not easy being Giants fan in Philly.. but it sure is satisfying

http://novafacts.blogspot.com

by Hoyadestroya85 on Mar 18, 2009 8:47 AM EDT reply actions

Not only is Harry one of the greatest players in franchise history

but also one of the greatest players in terms of leadership as well as toughness and class the NFL has ever seen.

By the way I would support having only one captain of the team.

by giant fan since 57 on Mar 18, 2009 6:32 PM EDT up reply actions

Bavaro=might have been

BJ=might be
Harry=who else?

by blue gonz on Mar 18, 2009 9:22 AM EDT reply actions

Gotta go with Carson

love Bavarro and love Jacobs, but Carson is one of the best players in franchise history. Of Super Bowl era players, I’d only put LT and Strahan ahead of him, which isn’t bad when you consider LT’s the greatest LB ever and Strahan is probably one of the top 5 (maybe even top 3) DE’s ever.

by cjmulrain on Mar 18, 2009 9:42 AM EDT reply actions

Carson

No doubt Carson was the best 4th rounder. He was the heart and soul of the defense when he played, even when LT was on the squad. We should be so lucky to see a player like him again.

Has anyone ever seen the NFL films about the Giants 1986 season? Parcells’ comments about Bavaro are priceless. Speaking of which I would trade one Bavaro for ten Shockeys any day.

by John W on Mar 18, 2009 10:10 AM EDT reply actions

Gatoraid shower

Correct me if I’m wrong but isn’t Carson the inventor of the Gatoraid shower? I can’t remember ever seeing that done before Carson did it during the 1986 season.

by John W on Mar 18, 2009 10:12 AM EDT reply actions

Correct

by Ed Valentine on Mar 18, 2009 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions

Carson, without question.

HOF board of selectors should be embarrased for taking so long to enshrine this Giant leader. Great player, class act.

by njgiant on Mar 18, 2009 10:33 AM EDT reply actions

three bruising players

to be selected in the 4th round, i think we all agree that these three are up there in the most bruising players of giants history, and parcells comments on bavaro are hilarious, and i wasnt even alive in 86 but i did grow up watching the tape, wasnt it LT under the trenchcoat that came up with the shower?

by Simon72 on Mar 18, 2009 10:55 AM EDT reply actions