Jets and Giants Open Draft with Smart Moves

 

The New York Giants and Jets played it safe on the first night of the NFL Draft, filling in needs, while not rocking the boat and creating drama.

In short, the two New York City-based teams were the anti-Atlanta Falcons on Thursday night.

 The Falcons created plenty of drama when they decided to use the eighth overall pick to take Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr., despite the fact they had just signed Kirk Cousins to a five-year $180 million deal. A deal both sides can get out of after year two. Still the move sent shockwaves through the NFL.

 There were a lot of Giants fans who apparently wanted the Giants to create the kind of drama Atlanta did. 

Many were all aboard the train to get a new quarterback in town to compete with Daniel Jones. Obviously, the Giants opted not to stir the pot. They are paying Jones upwards of $160 million over four years. So instead, Big Blue gave Jones a present in speedy LSU receiver Malik Nabbers.

Nabers is explosive. He led the country with 120 yards per game and 27 missed tackles. His six-foot frame makes him perfect for both the slot and down the sideline as a burner. Perhaps the Giants have their most explosive receiver since Odell Beckham. Ironically both players hailed from LSU.

New York Jets Give More Protection for Aaron Rodgers

The New York Jets were expected to take a playmaker with the 10th overall pick, but were unable, according to Connor Hughes of SNY, to swing a deal to move up in the draft to get receiver Rome Odunze. Hughes later reported that the Jets didn’t have much interest in tight end Brock Bowers, calling the interest a “smokescreen.”

 Instead the Jets took offensive tackle Olu Fashanu after swapping the 10th and 11th overall picks with Minnesota. The move is a sound one for Gang Green. Yes, the Jets signed Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses in the off-season, but both players are 33-years old, and are coming off injuries. The Jets can’t afford anything to happen physically to Aaron Rodgers again. Getting a pass protector for today and the future made all the sense in the world.

As seen on Fox Sports Radio New Jersey!