We are in NFL Draft preview mode here at Big Blue View, with our Friday 'Prospecting' series in full swing.
We will continue to look ahead to the April draft. Let's take some time, though, to look back at how the 2008 draft class has worked out for our New York Giants.
First, a quick recap of the class.
- Round 1 -- Kenny Phillips
- Round 2 -- Terrell Thomas
- Round 3 -- Mario Manningham
- Round 4 -- Bryan Kehl
- Round 5 -- Jonathan Goff
- Round 6 -- Andre Woodson
- Round 7 -- Robert Henderson
Let's begin at the top and work our way down. That means we start our retro with No. 1 pick Kenny Phillips.
Kenny Phillips
As the 2008 Draft neared, Phillips seemed to be the apple of most Giants' fans eyes. He is the guy we wanted, and it turned out he was the guy the Giants wanted -- and got.
Phillips was, and still is, looked at as the next great player in the long line of safeties to come out of the University of Miami. That list includes Ed Reed, Sean Taylor and Brandon Meriweather.
Phillips proved to be a hard hitter and a sure tackler as a rookie with the Giants. I am not sure, though, that he played the number of snaps or made the type of overall impact the Giants hoped for when they made him the first safety selected in last year's draft.
That said, though, I see no reason to be anything other than optimistic about Phillips' future with the Giants.
With or without James Butler, who is a free agent, on the roster next season I would anticipate Phillips starting and playing full time.
Phillips is part of an excellent young core of players the Giants have in their secondary. I expect him to be an impact player for a long time, and to make a few Pro Bowls before he is done.
Rookie season grade: B+