Over a full decade ago, the New York Giants added one of the most dynamic talents to the wide receiver room during the 2014 NFL draft.
Coming off a 7-9 season, the Giants held the No. 12 overall pick, which they originally used on wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. out of LSU. The eccentric wideout immediately turned into a star by posting 90 receptions for 1,305 yards and 10 touchdowns across 12 games.
Looking back, the Giants certainly got value on Beckham Jr., even if his career has had plenty of ups and downs. In a recent re-draft of the 2014 class by Pro Football Focus, Beckham came off the board at No. 8 overall.
Thus, the Giants had to pivot, and in doing so, they landed center Corey Linsley, originally a fifth-round pick with the Los Angeles Chargers.
12. New York Giants: C Corey Linsley, Ohio State (Round 5, Pick 161)
Original Pick: WR Odell Beckham Jr., LSU
Linsley was one of the NFL’s most consistent pass protectors during his excellent 10-year career. From 2014 to 2022, the two-time All-Pro ranked fifth among centers in PFF overall grade (88.7) and third in PFF pass-blocking grade (90.5).
His final full season in 2022 was his best as a pass blocker, as he earned a 90.2 PFF pass-blocking grade and didn’t allow a sack for the second consecutive season.
The Giants wound up starting J.D. Wilson at center for the 2014 season, and he held his own for the most part for all 16 games. Per Pro Football Focus, Wilson allowed 20 total pressures and just one sack on 680 pass-blocking snaps.
Other players on the board for the Giants in this re-draft included edge rushers Jadeveon Clowney and Shaq Barrett, wide receivers Jarvis Landry and Allen Robinson, and offensive tackles Morgan Moses and Jake Matthews.
The Giants came away with a solid selection in Beckham, even if it was short-lived. With the 32-year-old looking for a final spot to end his career, a reunion could be in store.
