The Jets and Giants have been two of the NFL’s most moribund franchises for the better part of the past two decades.
The Jets have not made the playoffs in 15 straight seasons, the inglorious longest active streak among all teams in the four major North American sports (MLB, NFL, NBA and NHL). The Giants have made the postseason just twice (2016, 2022), both times as a wild card, since their 2011 Super Bowl win.
But last Thursday through Saturday, the Jets and Giants acquired players in the NFL Draft that they hope will be cornerstones of their seemingly perpetual rebuilding project. The consensus among draft analysts, evaluators, fans and media is that both teams came out of the three-day event with players that could and should advantageously change their trajectory. The Jets braintrust of general Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn, and the Giants tandem of GM Joe Schoen and HC John Harbaugh, have, on paper, put their teams on positive paths.
With the Jets and Giants having 2025 season records of 3-14 and 4-13 respectively, the Jets had the No. 2 pick and the Giants No. 5. Additionally, the Jets had the No. 16 pick, acquired from the Indianapolis Colts last November when they traded All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner, and then moved up into the No. 30 spot, obtained from the San Francisco 49ers, by dealing the No. 33 pick, which was the first selection in the second round, and a fifth-rounder (No. 179).
With that collection of choices, the Jets secured edge rusher David Bailey from Texas Tech, Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq and Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. in succession. The Giants took linebacker/edge rusher Arvell Reese (No. 5) and offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa at No. 10 with the pick gained from trading three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals three weeks ago after Lawrence requested a trade due to a contract dispute. Lawrence subsequently signed a one-year, $28 million extension with the Bengals.
“I think the No. 1 thing is we really got guys that fit the brand of who we’re going to be,” Glenn said of the Jets’ eight total draft picks. “Tough, physical, violent, aggressive, a resilient attitude.”
WBLS Radio sports reporter and draft aficionado Bobby Childs, who has covered the Giants for three decades, gave the organization a high grade.
“The selections of Reese and Mauigoa address two big needs the team has,” said Childs. “They are adding two young players who turn 21 before the NFL season begins. Reese fills a need at linebacker which was once a strength of the team during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Mauigoa adds to the improved offensive line which allowed 17 sacks last season versus 32 the prior year. Mauigoa will have a chance to start at guard as veteran Greg Van Roten has not been resigned.
“ …The Giants (also) addressed other needs,” he continued, “by adding defensive back Colton Hood from Tennessee (Round 2, No. 37). Hood is a good press cover defender and has strong NFL pedigree as his uncle Roderick Hood played 10 seasons in the league.”