By Anthony Cardone
The Jets and Giants are both in terrific spots this year to take a superstar in the upcoming 2018 NFL draft. After a 5-11 record last season the Jets have the sixth overall pick in the draft, and with a 3-13 record, the Giants have the second overall pick in the draft.
The Jets could make multiple moves. They do need a quarterback, but they can address the defense with either a safety or cornerback. The Jets drafted Jamal Adams last season in the first round, but after a couple of shake-ups with former draft picks Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg, the Jets might want to turn to another quarterback, since Josh McCown might not return. If they don’t, they could always re-sign McCown or another free agent quarterback.
The one name that has been on every mock draft is Oklahoma quarterback and Heisman winner Baker Mayfield. Others include Josh Rosen, Josh Allen, Mason Rudolph and Sam Darnold. They could always trade up if they also need to get someone they have their eyes on. If they want to go the defense route, defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick, Denzel Ward, Josh Jackson or Derwin James are all possibilities.
For the Giants, having the number two pick is a little easier, but the decision is much harder. Who knows how many years your franchise quarterback in Eli Manning has? Do you take a quarterback now and have him be a backup, or do you wait and have Eli run this Giants team for a few more years? The Giants have one of the worst running games in the NFL, and with explosive Penn State running back and New York native Saquon Barkley right there, they just have to watch out for the Browns in taking him number one overall.
Unfortunately, Barkley was a Jets fan. There have also been rumors that the Giants should trade down, possibly with the Jets, Vikings or Broncos, teams that really need a quarterback or running back. Quarterbacks Sam Darnold and Josh Rosen, both superstars with great arms who could work wonders with Odell Beckham and Brandon Marshall, have been linked with the Giants.
So what path do these two teams take to get back to where they want to be? Free agency, the draft, or trades? The Big Apple needs a good draft to get both teams back to a state of relevancy and host another football-related parade sooner rather than later.
