Top draft picks for the Giants and the Jets

It’s been a long time since the MetLife Stadium saw any significant victory celebrations for either of the New York teams that call it home. After another dismal season for both the Giants and the Jets, the one silver lining is that both once again have high picks in the 2020 draft.

The Giants have 10 picks overall, although only three in the first two days. These include three compensatory picks: one in the third round and two in the seventh. They have both the fourth and the final pick of the draft, with the latter often being referred to as “Mister Irrelevant.”

The Jets have eight selections and weren’t awarded any compensatory picks. These include a first round pick (number 11), a second round pick (number 48) and two third round picks, one of which they were given by the Giants back in October, in return for DL Leonard Williams.

Chase Young

This appropriately named pass rusher is the best non-quarterback player in the draft and, according to some, the best player period. The Giants and the Jets won’t be the only teams chasing after the Ohio State player, so the chances of either getting him seem slim. However, given that neither is looking for quarterbacks this time and both badly need an edge rusher, Young will definitely be on top of both teams’ wish lists.

Isaiah Simmons

Another obvious choice, this Clemson linebacker is sure to be a first-round pick. He’s big, strong and fast, with a 4.39 record for the 40-yard dash, and at 21 years old, he’s got a bright future ahead of him. Uniquely, Simmons can play mid-high safety and slot cornerback as well, and many believe he could transform the Giants’ defense if Big Blue can secure his services. Top betting sites have the Giants as second favorites to draft Simmons, not far behind the Carolina Panthers, with the Jets languishing in ninth place.

Tristan Wirfs

At 6’5” and 320 pounds, Wirfs is an ideal offensive tackle who would make a great contribution to either team’s roster. The Giants have had their eyes on the Iowa player for some time now, and there’s a strong case for taking the 21-year-old as their first-round pick. Others suggest Louisville’s Mekhi Becton (6’ 7”, 365 pounds) could be a better OT fit within the Giants’ roster.

Although he’d be an asset for any team, Wirfs would in many ways be a better fit for the Jets’ offensive line. Back in February, general manager Joe Douglas said that the Jets were looking for “explosive, dynamic playmakers” and Wirfs fits that description perfectly. His power and footwork make him an undeniable high-floor prospect.

Ezra Cleveland

Further down the draft, the Boise State OT set a time of 4.93 in the 40-yard dash and top workout scores all round. He’s the only offensive lineman in the draft to post a short shuttle of less than 4.47, identified as a key benchmark for offensive success. Some say he’s lacking in size and strength but bear in mind he played most of last season while recovering from injury. He’s certainly athletic enough to play left tackle for either the Giants or the Jets.

Chase Claypool

The 6’ 4”, 238-pound wide receiver at Notre Dame is almost a dead ringer for the Giants’ Evan Engram in terms of size and workout stats. This suggests he could be employed in a similar way by the Jets, although Claypool is a pure receiver, whereas Engram is a tight end who played wide in college. Moving Claypool to the tight end could be an option.

Curtis Weaver

Whoever misses out on Chase Young may go for this Boise State edge rusher as their next choice. With 34 sacks in three seasons, he’s got the flexibility to maintain pressure on the outside. Other possibilities include Iowa’s AJ Epenesa, with 17.5 sacks over two seasons, or Yetur Gross-Matos over at Penn State.

Elsewhere, both teams badly need a number one receiver, and either Alabama’s Jerry Jeudy or Oklahoma’s CeeDee Lamb are the stand-out options at that position. Ohio State’s Jeff Okudah is one of the best players in the draft and could fill the cornerback position for either team. Look out too for Georgia’s SJR Reed, who’s strong, smart and good at covering tight ends. Essang Bassey is slightly undersized, but the Wake Forest cornerback is a consistent player despite his limited experience.

Of course, who the Jets and the Giants ultimately go for remains to be seen. Who they want and who they eventually get may not be quite the same either. Both teams have significant gaps to fill, and the important thing is to use this draft to put together a team capable of putting New York back on the NFL map.