5 most overrated players in Giants history ft. Odell Beckham Jr.

The New York Giants are one of the oldest and most storied franchises in football. They have had their fair share of zeniths and nadirs, as well as a host of Hall of Famers and busts and disappointments who have donned their blue, white and red jerseys.

Yet there are certain players whose status within the organization is often, if not always, overestimated. Here are five examples of that notion.

5 most overrated players in Giants history

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#5. Jeremy Shockey

New York Giants vs. Carolina Panthers

The passing/receiving game has historically not been a strength for the Giants, but for a while, it seemed as if tight end Jeremy Shockey would have that position on lockdown.

While a beast on the field, he was also known to be very brash. When he injured his leg and foot towards the end of the 2007 season, rookie Kevin Boss replaced him and became a contributor to their shocking Super Bowl run.

And so Tom Coughlin and Jerry Reese figured that they could do without Shockey and eventually traded him to the New Orleans Saints.

#4. Daniel Jones

New York Giants vs. Miami Dolphins

Say what you will about Eli Manning, he at least has two Super Bowl wins to his name, including the legendary upset of the then-undefeated New England Patriots at XLII. But what about Daniel Jones?

When the Giants drafted him No. 6 overall in 2019, instead of having him sit on the bench and learn from the field, he went straight to the starting role. And while that exuded confidence in theory, he has been largely horrible save for a run to the Divisional Round in 2022-23.

His offensive line has not also helped either, allowing sack after sack, and the loss of Saquon Barkley ahead of the 2024-25 season will put more pressure on him to play better.

#3. Victor Cruz

Cleveland Browns vs. New York Giants

As said before, "airing it out" has not been a Big Blue strength. But when Victor Cruz suddenly came out of nowhere to become a key contributor to the Giants' Super Bowl XLVI run, many figured that he would become the team's next superstar.

Two more solid seasons and a Pro Bowl appearance later, those claims looked justified. He was a good player and had a likable image. Then he got hurt, twice.

By the time he became fully healthy to play in 2016, he was no longer the top man, and he was out.

#2. Tiki Barber

New York Giants vs. Tennessee Titans - Nov. 26, 2006

Tiki Barber is something of an enigma for Giants fans. On one hand, he was rather good, making three Pro Bowls and being an All-Pro once. On the other, what did he achieve?

The first time he hit 1,000 rushing yards and made the Super Bowl, the team got shut out. And he never went that deep again (ironically, XLII happened the year after he retired). He also loved beefing with his own teammates, particularly Eli Manning.

#1. Odell Beckham Jr.

Philadelphia Eagles vs. New York Giants

Here it is, one of the most mercurial Giants the world has ever seen.

Odell Beckham Jr. is no doubt a very talented wide receiver, possibly the first star that Big Blue found at that position. But he could also be, for want of better words, moody.

He made the playoffs just once as a Giant, in 2016. And that was tainted by scandal, as he and some fellow wideouts decided to party in Miami, then played poorly at a cold Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers.

For a star of his caliber, he had a rather poor stint in East Rutherford.