There are four selections for New York teams within the top 10 picks of the NFL draft. If that doesn't signal how bleak the NFL situation is in New York, I don't know what will.
However, it should also serve as hope that things could be turning around. Because while the Jets earned the fourth pick and the Giants earned the fifth with their continued subpar play, they also made shrewd trades to earn the seventh pick (Giants from the Bears) and the 10th (Jets from the Seahawks) that can hopefully aid in the turnaround that both fan bases have been dying for.
Here's a look at what both teams should be targeting:
Giants: The G-men have picks No. 5 and 7. The best news is that Dave Gettleman will be nowhere near the war room on Thursday night. These two picks will serve as new GM Joe Schoen's true introduction to New York. When a franchise loses 60 of its last 82 games, there is no shortage of holes to fill. With the fifth pick, the Giants should come away with an offensive lineman who can be an anchor of that group. At least one of Ikem Ekwonu (NC State), Evan Neal (Alabama) and Charles Cross (Mississippi State) should be available at No. 5. Team that person with the improving Andrew Thomas, and the Giants should be on their way to offensive line continuity in front of Daniel Jones.
Offensive lineman Charles Cross (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
The No. 7 pick is where things could get interesting for Big Blue. Two other areas of great need are pass rush and cornerback. Edge rushers Jermaine Johnson (Florida State) and Kayvon Thibodeaux (Oregon) could be available here. Travon Walker (Georgia) and Aidan Hutchinson (Michigan) will likely be off the board at this point. There are also two potentially dynamic cornerbacks who could be available at No. 7: Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner (Cincinnati) and Derek Stingley Jr. (LSU). If the Giants come away with a high-end offensive lineman and a playmaker at either edge rusher or cornerback, that is a very successful first round for Schoen.
Cornerback Ahmad Gardner (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)
Jets: Gang Green has the fourth and 10th picks. The Jets thought they were on their way to settling their offensive line with recent first round picks Mekhi Becton and Alijah Vera-Tucker. However, there are enough red flags from Becton (health, weight, absence) that the Jets should consider an O-lineman with the fourth pick. Like the Giants at five, they should have at least one of Ekwonu, Cross or Neal available ... and possibly two of them.
Offensive lineman Evan Neal (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
If the Jets don't go offensive line at No. 4, they could choose from two other areas of great need: cornerback and wide receiver. With the fourth pick, they may be able to get their top choice at either position. Drake London (USC) has been connected with the Jets for quite some time. Other WR options are Garrett Wilson (Ohio State) and Jameson Williams (Alabama). At least one of those three receivers should still be available with the 10th pick. At No. 4, the Jets might want to target the best CB: Gardner or Stingley.
Wide receiver Drake London (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)