Dave Gettleman retired as Giants GM after a disastrous 2021 season led to Joe Judge’s firing and a drastic overhaul within the organization, but two of his key draft picks during his Big Blue tenure have now led New York out of its postseason drought.
Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley, two Gettleman draft picks that have received criticism in the past (Jones not showing production worthy of a top-10 pick, and Barkley at No. 2 being an unwise use of a pick that high on a position like running back), but both have now been critical in the team clinching its first playoff appearance since 2016.
“I’m proud as hell, they both persevered and fought through,” Gettleman told the New York Post. “You talk about mental toughness, for Saquon to fight through those injuries and not getting a contract and being forced to play out his fifth year, he had to have a lot of confidence in himself, show some mental toughness. And Daniel, the same thing. He’s in his third system in four years. Of course I’m proud of them. I’m really happy for them. It’s not because it justifies me. It justifies them.
“New York’s a tough place and it’s a tough place when things aren’t going right. I’m just proud they stuck to it and not been bothered by things that are written and said. I’m thrilled for those kids. They’re good people. Good young men.”
Gettleman retired with a lousy 19-46 record in four seasons as the team’s GM, but several of the Giants’ draft picks during his tenure are now cornerstones of the current team, particularly Jones and Barkley.
“Am I happy the guys are doing well? I’m thrilled,’’ Gettleman told The Post. “Daniel and Saquon and Andrew Thomas and Dexter, where do you want me to stop? I’m thrilled they’re all playing well. They’re maturing as players and they’re getting coached.”
Follow Ryan Chichester on Twitter: @ryanchichester1
Follow WFAN on Social Media
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Twitch
Listen live to WFAN:
Audacy App | Online Stream | Smart Speaker (just say ‘Play W-F-A-N’)