As fans we spend tons of time worrying and arguing about who our New York Giants should take in the first round of the upcoming NFL Draft. It is easy to forget there is more than one round to a draft, and that success in subsequent rounds is what truly makes or breaks a draft.
To me, the second round is particularly important. Many of the players available in the second round are first-round type players who have fallen because of need or a perceived flaw that has teams leery of making them their first selection. Yet, great players (Michael Strahan, Tiki Barber) can be found in Round 2.
The Giants select midway through this year's second round, 46th overall. Let's look at the players who have been selected in that spot the past 10 years.
2000: Adrian Klemm, T, Hawaii (New England Patriots) -- Had an undistinguished five-year career with the Patriots and Packers as a sometimes starter.
2001: Aaron Schobel, DE, Texas Christian (Buffalo Bills) -- Two Pro Bowls during an excellent career with the Bills. May retire.
2002: Tim Carter, WR, Auburn (New York Giants) -- Umm, we know the story here. Lots of speed, fragile as glass, not much of a career. Let's move on.
2003: Drayton Florence, CB, Tuskegee (San Diego Chargers) -- A starter with three different teams during his seven-year career.
2004: Justin Smiley, G, Alabama (San Francisco 49ers) -- A good player, though one with chronic shoulder issues. Started for the Dolphins in 2009, but they are reportedly shopping him.
2005: Matt Roth, DE, Iowa (Miami Dolphins) -- Waived by the Dolphins and claimed by Cleveland in 2009. Never more than a rotational guy, it appears.
2006: Joe Klopfenstein, TE, Colorado (St. Louis Rams) -- Mostly a blocking tight end. Probably not the impact you would like to get from the 46th pick.
2007: LaMarr Woodley, LB, Michigan (Pittsburgh Steelers) -- With 25 sacks in the past two seasons Woodley is easily the best player drafted at 46 in the last 10 seasons. If only the Giants can hit a home run like this.
2008: Jerome Simpson, WR, Coastal Carolina (Cincinnati Bengals) -- A flop. Only one reception in two seasons. Makes Tim Carter look like an All-Pro.
2009: Connor Barwin, DE, Cincinnati (Houston Texans) -- Had 4.5 sacks in 13 games as a reserve. The jury is still out.