Both the Giants and the Jets went above and beyond in this year’s draft class. Both teams held premier picks and had many needs to address heading into the next NFL season. Both of them had successful drafts last week, addressing many of these needs to set them up for success in the near future.
The Giants took one of the clear best defensive players in this year’s draft class in Abdul Carter. Carter is a defensive end out of Penn State and was highly touted. The Giants selected him with their third overall pick in the draft, as he was widely considered the best option on the table.
The Giants made another move, trading up with the Texans to acquire the 25th overall pick. The Giants proceeded to use that pick on Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart, who they hope could be their future starter. With both Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, it’s unlikely that he’ll start for the team this year, but he could play a pivotal role for the team in the coming years. After all, the Giants have a track record of success with Ole Miss quarterbacks.
The Giants next selection was another move to bolster their defense, selecting Darius Alexander, a defensive tackle from the University of Toldeo. The Giants used their fourth-round pick on Cam Skattebo, the Arizona State runningback. Skattebo was one of the most talked-about names in the draft and could be a key part of the offense to pair in the backfield with Tryone Tracy Jr.
The Giants used the rest of their selections to take Marcus Mbow (154), Thomas Fidone II (219) and Korie Black (246).
The Jets’ first-round pick may not have been the most flashy option but it was one that was needed to help the team succeed in the future. The team used its 7th-overall pick to draft offensive tackle Armand Membou out of the University of Missouri. The pick bolsters their offensive line, which could be crucial for a mobile quarterback such as Justin Fields.
The team used their second-round pick to select LSU tight end Mason Taylor, the son of former Jets player Jason Taylor. Taylor is another weapon for Fields in the upcoming season, in a receiving core led by Garrett Wilson.
The Jets used their third-round pick on Florida State cornerback Azareye’h Thomas to help their already strong defense. Under new head coach Aaron Glenn, a former defensive coordinator, he could flourish. With their fourth round pick, the Jets selected Georgia wide receiver Arian Smith, whose speed could pose a tremendous threat to other teams and gives Fields another offensive weapon when he takes the field this fall.
The Jets used the rest of their selections on Malachi Moore (140), Francisco Mauigoa (162) and Tyler Baron (176).