NFL Mock Draft New York Giants and Jets (Rounds 1-3)
NFL Mock Draft (Jets and Giants)
Round 1 Pick 2 New York Giants: Saquon Barkley (RB, Penn State)
New general manager Dave Gettleman needs to make some positive noise if he wants to prove to the Giants’ fan base that he means business. Aside from reaching a long term deal with Odell Beckham Jr, the next best thing he could do is take a big name player who makes big time plays. This workhorse provides Eli with another option on offense in a position that has been mediocre at best in years past. With Eli falling towards the end of his career and he needs all the help that he can get. Barkley is the closest to a “sure thing” that you can get in this years draft class which makes him the safest pick for the Giants. However, the Giants have been rumoured to make a run at Le'Veon Bell this offseason, so if this position is addressed in free agency, Josh Rosen is then best pick.
Next Best Candidates: Josh Rosen (QB, UCLA), Sam Darnold (QB, USC)
Round 1 Pick 6 New York Jets: Baker Mayfield (QB, Oklahoma)
With this pick the Jets finally get the franchise QB that they’ve needed for decades. Even though Mayfield comes with major character concerns on and off the field, his talent speaks for itself. The 2017 Heisman Winner carried his Oklahoma team to the playoff and quite frankly, he is a household name. Although there are major upsides, the downsides are just as daunting. If this pick pans out, it would be a steal and the Jets would now have the head to the offense they’ve been searching for. Best case scenario is he plays like he did in college. Reasonable scenario is he takes a seat behind Josh McCown for another year or so and develops. Worst case scenario… you’re looking at Manziel 2.0.
Next Best Candidates: Josh Allen (QB, Wyoming), Denzel Ward (CB, Ohio State)
Round 2 Pick 2 New York Giants: Lamar Jackson (QB, Louisville)
The Giants get a QB who can develop under Eli Manning in his final year or so. If he’s given time to pick up the passing game, Lamar Jackson can become a WEAPON. He’s as fast as a quarterback can get and has potential to make plays that can ultimately change a game. Even though his athleticism leads critics to believe that he will have a career similar to that of Terrelle Pryor, the 2016 Heisman Winner has the opportunity to prove all these people wrong. If the offensive line is addressed in free agency, this guy has an offense that is equivalent to a quarterback’s dream. Odell, Shepard, Marshall, Engram, and Barkley? Make this a lock for a Super Bowl contender in the next years to come.
Next Best Candidates: Martinas Rankin (OT, Mississippi State), Derrius Guice (RB, LSU)
Round 2 Pick 5 New York Jets: Ronald Jones (RB, USC)
With Matt Forte deteriorating, the Jets are going to have to find a new back at some time or another. Ronald Jones is a very enticing prospect who finished his collegiate career with the 5th most yards in USC history, and as a first team all Pac-12 selection. He can run the ball as well as reel in a few catches. The only questionable concern that comes with a pick like this is his size. At 6 feet 200 pounds, he is very lean and may not be able to handle the normal workload of an average NFL running back. Jones nonetheless would be a great pick as this draft class is loaded with running backs.
Next Best Candidates: Mason Rudolph (QB, Oklahoma St), Christian Kirk (WR, Texas A&M)
Round 2 Pick 17 New York Jets: Da'Shawn Hand (DE, Alabama)
I think the Jets will trade this pick, but if they don’t I think they’ll attempt to add more talent to their defensive, the edge in particular. Hand played exceptionally well at Alabama and could compliment Muhammad Wilkerson’s game nicely, if the Jets decide to keep him of course
Next Best Candidates: Hercules Mata’afa (OLB, Washington State), Ronnie Anderson (SS, Alabama)
Round 3 Pick 2 New York Giants: DJ Moore (WR, Maryland)
Moore is one of my favorite prospects given he plays my same position at my dream school. Finishing his career with 2,000 plus yards and 17 touchdowns, Moore is an explosive playmaker who I feel can compliment Odell Beckham and Sterling Shepard’s game nicely. Brandon Marshall is getting towards the end of his career, and if coach Shurmur sees that it’s time for a change in the depth chart, Moore would be a good addition to an already offensive stacked team.
Next Best Candidates: Josey Jewell (LB, Iowa), Tarvarus McFadden (CB, FSU)
Round 3 Pick 8 New York Jets: Holton Hill (CB, Texas)
The Jets finally pick someone to help their secondary. Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye seem to be here for the future and they solidify the safety positions, but cornerback was an area of concern after the Jets allowed 7 yards per pass attempt and ranking 21st in terms of passing yards. Hill, at 6’3” and 205 pounds, should make an impact sooner rather than later and can add another presence to the Jets secondary.
Next Best Candidates: Quenton Meeks (CB, Stanford), Equanimeous St. Brown (WR, Notre Dame)