Pro Football Weekly and Riddell present ...
2002 NFL draft
Giants get their man
Giants secure biggest void by selecting TE Shockey
By Nolan Nawrocki, Associate editor of special projects
April 20, 2002
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| The Giants need the most help on offense at tight end, wide receiver and
the offensive line. Giants general manager Ernie Accorsi was assured by line coach Jim
McNally that the line has enough athleticism and potential to be a solid unit this year,
and not having a playmaking tight end in the Giants’ offense last season really
limited what they could do. The Giants swapped first-round picks with the Titans to move
up one selection and make sure they got their man, Miami (Fla.) TE Jeremy Shockey. With TE
Howard Cross lost to retirement, there is no doubt the position posed the biggest question
for the Giants. TE Dan Campbell has fought injuries and has not shown the consistency
blocking or receiving that the Giants would like at the position. Marcellus Rivers may be
the best receiver of the returning bunch but leaves much to be desired as a blocker.
Accorsi said he didn’t just draft a great blocker in Shockey, he also got an
offensive weapon. He was a wide receiver in high school who still runs very good routes
and knows how to shield defenders from the ball. He has soft hands and has shown he can
perform well in clutch situations. He has room to improve his blocking even more, but
expect Shockey to step into the mix immediately as a receiving threat.
The Giants gave up their fourth-round pick (No. 110 overall) along with swapping
first-round picks to make sure they got Shockey. I think they could have grabbed him at
No. 15 without giving up the pick. The Titans did not need a tight end and ended up
picking Tennessee DT Albert Haynesworth, but nonetheless, Shockey should be an instant
contributor for the Giants and is a solid pick. |
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