WHAT’S NEXT FOR GIANTS, JETS?
Jets snag pass-rusher, Giants land tight end in first Serby mock
The 2016 season left Giants fans with a playoff disappointment and Jets fans yearning for a sliver of hope for the future. The first step to a better 2017 is game-planning for the draft. Take a look at what Big Blue and Gang Green might do.
We need more f ilm work before we give the Jets their next would-be franchise quarterback, but in the meantime, there are pass rush and cornerback prospects who will pique general manager Mike Maccagnan’s interest. Remember, he will try to unload Sheldon Richardson as vigorously as Phil Jackson is trying to unload Carmelo Anthony.
The Giants always covet pass rushers, and will need one if Jason Pierre-Paul flies the free-agent coop. But if they have a chance to help Eli Manning with a big target, why not?
The Serby Mock 1.0:
1. BROWNS Myles Garrett DE, Texas A&M
There is no can’t-miss quarterback in this draft. This is a franchise that can’t afford to miss again. This 6-foot-5, 270-pounder is a much-needed beast to combat Ben Roethlisberger, Andy Dalton and Joe Flacco.
2. 49ERS DeShone Kizer QB, Notre Dame
The new Kyle Shanahan regime will need a 6-4, 220-pound, strongarmed franchise quarterback.
3. BEARS Jonathan Allen DT/DE, Alabama
John Fox needs a quarterback. He also needs to win now. This guy is an instant Monster of the Midway, and a perfect complement to OLB Leonard Floyd.
4. JAGUARS Cam Robinson OT, Alabama
Blake Bortles desperately needs a 6-6, 323-pound bodyguard, and if this guy’s past marijuana and guns possession charges are deemed behind him, you know new coach Doug Marrone will develop him nicely. That is if new executive Tom Coughlin, who whiffed on character risk WR R. Jay Soward with the Jags in 2000, signs off on it.
5. TITANS Mike Williams WR, Clemson
An immediate go-to guy for Marcus Mariota. Neither Rishard Matthews nor Tajae Sharpe are No. 1 receivers.
6. JETS Solomon Thomas DE, Stanford
Maccagnan needs a new Revis Island, but can’t pass on this 6-3, 275-pound disrupter who can be the answer to Todd Bowles’ edge-rusher prayers.
7. CHARGERS Jamal Adams S, LSU
New coach Anthony Lynn fills the void left by the departure of Eric Weddle with an elite 6-1, 213-pound playmaker who helps him defend Derek Carr and perhaps Tony Romo in Denver.
8. PANTHERS Leonard Fournette RB, LSU
A dynamic 236-pounder to take some heat off Cam Newton with Jonathan Stewart turning 30 in March.
9. BENGALS Derek Barnett DE, Tennessee
Marvin Lewis needs someone other than Geno Atkins and Carlos Dunlap to get after Big Ben and juice his 19th-ranked pass rush, and this 6-3, 265-pounder recorded 33 sacks in 40 games.
10. BILLS Malik Hooker S, Ohio State
In t his scenario, t his 6- 2, 205-pound ballhawk (three picksixes) would be the highest-rated player on the board, and GM Doug Whaley will try to find new coach Sean McDermott a better quarterback prospect than E.J. Manuel next.
11. SAINTS Reuben Foster ILB, Alabama
A nasty, rangy, plug-and-play 6-1, 240-pounder to replace James Laurinaitis and add oomph behind Sheldon Rankins.
12. BROWNS (from Eagles) Mitch Trubisky QB, North Carolina
Ohio’s Mr. Football gets his dream chance, under Hue Jackson’s expert tutelage, to become Mitch Cleveland and make everyone forget the Johnny Cleveland nightmare.
13. CARDINALS Marlon Humphrey CB, Alabama
Bruce Arians needs this speedy 6-1, 198-pounder as a bookend for Patrick Peterson.
14. COLTS Charles Harris OLB/DE, Missouri
A bigger (6-3, 265 pounds) version of retired Robert Mathis to put the heat on Mariota.
15. EAGLES Marshon Lattimore CB, Ohio State
A 6- 0, 1 92pounder who can step in and replace Leodis McKelvin.
23. GIANTS O.J. Howard TE, Alabama
A 6-6, 25 1pounder who has been compared to Jimmy Graham? Think Eli Manning could use him?