PFF Reveals the 24 Best Giants Players of the Last 20 Years — and There Are Some Surprises
PFF Reveals the 24 Best Giants Players of the Last 20 Years — and There Are Some Surprises
The analytics firm's all-Giants team since 2006 is loaded — but there is one glaring absence that will raise eyebrows.Alex House|
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New York GiantsWhile the New York Giants eye a renaissance under head coach John Harbaugh, it's appropriate to look back at some of the most impactful and memorable players who have worn the uniform over the last 20 years.
A new era is underway, but there is plenty to remember and appreciate in those who preceded it.
Pro Football Focus has it covered. The sports analytics company used its grading system to determine the 12 best offensive and 12 best defensive players who have represented Big Blue at any time since 2006.
The offense consists of quarterback Eli Manning, running back Ahmad Bradshaw, wide receivers Odell Beckham Jr., Hakeem Nicks, and Victor Cruz (slot), tight ends Kevin Boss and Jeremy Shockey, left tackle Andrew Thomas, left guard Rich Seubert, center Shaun O'Hara, right guard Chris Snee, and right tackle Kareem McKenzie.
The defense is made up of interior defensive linemen Dexter Lawrence II and Damon "Snacks" Harrison, edge rushers Justin Tuck and Jason Pierre-Paul, linebackers Bobby Okereke, Blake Martinez and Devon Kennard, cornerbacks Corey Webster, Janoris Jenkins and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (slot), and safeties Kenny Phillips and Landon Collins.
There is plenty to dissect on this loaded roster, with legacy, consistency and notable omissions drawing focus.
The Offense
Champions, unsurprisingly, define this unit, with two-time Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning leading the way. Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz, and Ahmad Bradshaw all made huge plays on the big stage as well.
Not to be forgotten, offensive linemen Chris Snee and Kareem McKenzie played an integral role in both title runs. No. 10 might not have reached hero status without them or the other blockers in this group. Of course, one did not need to win a ring with New York to make a lasting impression.
Odell Beckham Jr. recorded 1,300-plus receiving yards and 10 touchdowns or more in each of his first three seasons with the Giants, earning himself Rookie of the Year honors and back-to-back Second-Team All-Pro selections.
Andrew Thomas, who remains an indispensable member of the trenches, joins the returning Beckham as the only two active members of the Giants on this PFF squad.
The big omission is running Saquon Barkley, which Jahnke attributes to Bradshaw's receiving efficiency and superior blocking. Championship brilliance also helps the latter's case, as the former was forced to compete on a severely limited roster for much of his tenure with the G-Men.
Despite Barkley's absence from this All-PFF Team, there is little one can reasonably nitpick on the offense. Most of these men earned their slots by contributing to the most celebrated and improbable period in Giants history.
The defensive choices arguably leave more room for debate, given the more recent turnover on that side of the ball.
The Defense
Fans will naturally want to know why Michael Strahan is not lining up on the edge, but the reason is rather simple. Despite his massive contributions to the Super Bowl XLII-winning campaign, the tail end of No. 92's Hall of Fame career came right at the beginning of Pro Football Focus' existence.
PFF felt the sample size was too small to prioritize in a crowded position group. The individual excellence of both Justin Tuck and Jason Pierre-Paul also knocked off fellow franchise great Osi Umenyiora.
The availability of viable alternatives speaks to the historic strength of Big Blue's pass-rushing attack. There is little discussion that needs to be had regarding Dexter Lawrence's inclusion, however.
The top-notch defensive tackle was a powerhouse in a failing engine during most of his seven-year stay in the Meadowlands. He finally had enough of the organization and requested a trade earlier in the offseason. New York shipped him out to the Cincinnati Bengals for the No. 10 overall draft pick, which was used to select rookie OL Francis Mauigoa.
With Lawrence and Bobby Okereke now gone, there are no current Giants defensive players on the All-PFF Team. Perhaps edge rushers Brian Burns and Abdul Carter can receive such an honor 20 years from now.
This is an impressive collection of talent that recognizes both playoff prowess and personal perseverance in the face of constant losing. But now it's time for Big Blue to write some new and more positive history.
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Published Jun 19, 2026
ALEX HOUSEAlex House is a passionate sports writer committed to providing readers with insightful and engaging coverage. His experiences in New England as a Connecticut resident and University of Rhode Island journalism student have helped shape him into who he is today. He also writes for ClutchPoints.com.
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Badenoch blasts 'moaning' female Labour MPs over Burnham jobs 'quota'
Kemi Badenoch has told Labour women to earn a job in Andy Burnham's Cabinet instead of demanding they are handed jobs because of their gender.
The Tory leader lashed out today amid reports that female MPs are demanding the de-facto new prime minister introduce a 50:50 gender split 'quota' in his government.
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister also complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts.
But in a scathing article in the Times today Mrs Badenoch told them to 'stop moaning' and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'.
'There are many, many reasons why you shouldn't have any Milibands in the cabinet,' she said.
'But complaining that the boys haven't given them the right jobs or that the boys are taking all the jobs, just shows that Labour's women still don't get it.'
The idea of quotas was also attacked by Baroness Jacqui Smith, Labour's Skills Minister.
Asked by Times Radio if Mr Burnham should reserve jobs for women, she said: 'No, I think what Andy Burnham should be doing is building the very best team around him to change this country.'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband (above, right, in 2010) is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts
But Mrs Badenoch told them to pipe down and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party and seen by the BBC has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs after he succeeds Sir Keir Starmer.
'We are asking you to demonstrate this change from day one and address the toxicity and misogyny within our own party and government,' it said.
Labour has never had a female leader, while the Conservatives have had three, and Mrs Badenoch urged the government to follow its meritocratic example.
'If you run a meritocracy, then you do not have to worry about jobs for the boys,' she wrote.
'Every woman who is a Conservative MP, every woman who has ever won the leadership, has had to fight to get where she is.
'By contrast, Labour women are demanding guarantees from Burnham. But the truth is he doesn't have to give any guarantees.
'If none of Labour's women are prepared to get their hands dirty and challenge him for the leadership, their demands are toothless.'
'In fact, it's quite revealing that the women's parliamentary Labour Party has written to Burnham asking him to commit himself to at least 50 per cent female ministers.
'This has nothing to do with meritocracy. It is yet more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country.'
