Sam Darnold gave the New York Jets an early lead over the Denver Broncos on Thursday night through a showstopping 46-yard touchdown run. The score gave the Jets an early lead, New York’s first of the season, in their primetime tilt.
Darnold wound up accounting for all but two yards on the Jets’ opening scoring drive, one that took nine plays to go 75 yards after the opening kickoff. His legs were responsible for two previous conversions on third down. A three-yard punch in the opening minute kept the drive going, as did an eight-yard scramble on third-and-four just prior to midfield. Darnold’s previous career-best in rushing was a 35-yard output in December 2018 against Houston. The long touchdown is the longest run by any quarterback so far this season.
The Jets continue to lead Denver 7-3 in the latter stages of the first quarter.
Joe Flacco’s first time in a New York Jets gameday uniform will come against one of his former teams on Thursday night.
While Thursday night’s primetime matchup between the New York Jets and Denver Broncos (8:20 p.m. ET, NFL Network) may lack that championship feeling, but Super Bowl flair will be on display on the home team’s sideline.
For the first time in his New York career, former Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco will dress for the Jets and serve as Sam Darnold’s backup. Flacco was sidelined by a neck injury for nearly a full year but was signed by the Jets in May.
A native of Audubon, NJ, Flacco is set to enter his 13th NFL season. Flacco is best known for his 11-year tenure with the Baltimore Ravens, where he sits atop nearly every statistical list in the team’s passing record book. He helped guide the Ravens to their second Super Bowl in 2013, capturing MVP honors in the team’s 34-31 win over San Francisco.
Making his Jets debut against Denver carries a hint of Flacco irony. After Baltimore made the switch to Lamar Jackson at quarterback, he was signed by the Broncos to serve as a placeholder quarterback to 2019 first-round choice Drew Lock. Flacco started eight games in orange, throwing for 1,822 yards and six touchdowns before sustaining the aforementioned neck injury in an October loss to Indianapolis. Denver released Flacco last March, sticking with Lock, Jeff Driskel, and Brett Rypien on their quarterback depth chart. Rypien is set to make his first NFL start on Thursday with Lock injured.
The Jets (0-3) will still be without top receiving option Breshard Perriman, who will miss his second straight game with an ankle injury. Others on the New York inactive list include Jordan Willis, Marqui Christian, Quincy Wilson, and Nathan Shepard, as well as rookies Ashtyn Davis and James Morgan.
The New York Jets (0-3) will take on the Denver Broncos (0-3) in tonight’s game. The game was one I was eager to see prior to the season. I hoped the headlines would be all about Drew Lock vs Sam Darnold or about how the Jets improved defense would handle the Broncos young and talented offense. Instead, we have Brett Rypien at the helm of a banged-up Broncos team and the Jets fighting for any shred of respect they could salvage this season. Here are the things I am watching for in the battle of two of the worst AFC teams to this point.
Adam Gase’s Funeral?
After the Jets got embarrassed this past Sunday in Indianapolis, the heat beneath Adam Gase’s seat became flames. Rumors have swirled all week from Colin Cowherd, Chris Mortensen, and many other top insiders that this could be the end of the road for Gase if the team is blown out. The consensus is, the team needs to implode for Gase to be ousted. The Broncos would need to perform similarly to the 49ers in Week 2 for Gase to go. The odds are in Gase’s favor to still be the coach of this team come Friday morning, but the Jets are wearing all black tomorrow night, so maybe this could be Gase’s New York Jet funeral.
Brett Rypien’s First Career Start
Rypien starting tonight brings me back to the game the Jets played when Luke Falk stepped in on Thursday night last year. Rypien was a practice squad fixture until just a week ago, but after going 8/9 for 53 yards and a pick in the end zone, he will get a shot to run the offense, at least to start, tonight. Broncos coach Vic Fangio has said he will see a role where Jeff Driskel gets work as well. Last year the Jets preyed on weak QBs like Dwayne Haskins Jr., Matt Barkley, and Devlin Hodges. Although this Jets defense is a shell of what it was last year, Gregg Williams is still here, and he knows how to make young QBs uncomfortable. The Broncos have also allowed 13 sacks, which stands as the second-most in the league. The Jets could look to make this a really rough debut for the nephew of former NFL vet Mark Rypien.
Sam Darnold Needs To Rebound
The Jets offense floundered last weekend, but particularly so did Sam Darnold. With three interceptions, Sam Played one of his worst pro games. Tonight though, he gets a returning Jamison Crowder along with a budding connection with Braxton Berrios. Darnold needs to come out swinging tonight; Gase needs to let him run around and sling it. He needs to get rid of the receiver screens and take some shots downfield. They need to open up the playbook because win or loss, the most paramount issue is getting Darnold some momentum back.
The New York Jets have an opportunity in primetime to earn their first win against the likewise-reeling Denver Broncos.
What: Denver Broncos @ New York Jets Where: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ When: Thursday, 8:20 p.m. ET Watch: NFL Network
Thursday night will show just how badly the American public missed football, as two winless squads prepare to do battle in primetime.
The embattled New York Jets (0-3) return to MetLife Stadium on Thursday, seeking to end a streak of brutality against an equally woebegone Denver Broncos squad. New York and Denver (0-3) account for a quarter of the eight winless teams left in the NFL after three weeks.
Back at home, the Jets have been crushed by a combined 47-point margin over the last two weeks. The latest defeat was a 36-7 shellacking at the hands of the Indianapolis Colts last Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium. Their lone score was a 16-yard touchdown pass from Sam Darnold to Braxton Berrios in the first quarter, shortly before the Colts opened up a barrage on 29 unanswered points. Darnold threw three interceptions during the afternoon, two of which were returned for touchdowns.
Meanwhile, Denver has failed to live up to preseason expectations as an AFC darkhorse, partially due to injuries that have decimated the top of the depth chart. The Broncos likewise fell to 0-3 on the road last weekend, dropping a 28-10 decision in Tampa Bay. Missing franchise quarterback Drew Lock, the Broncos made a change at quarterback in the late stages of the defeat, sitting Jeff Driskel for Brett Rypien, the nephew of former Super Bowl MVP Mark. Rypien is expected to make the first start of his NFL career on Thursday night.
Thursday’s game will serve as a reunion for former bearers of orange Connor McGovern and Joe Flacco. McGovern played his first four seasons with the Broncos after joining them as a fifth-round pick in 2016, while Flacco started eight games in Denver last season.
The Series
This will be the 38th meeting between the Jets and Broncos, a series that dates back to the days of the American Football League. Denver leads the get-togethers by a 20-16-1 tally, but the Jets won the last one 34-16, also at MetLife Stadium. Isaiah Crowell ran for a Jets single-game record 219 yards on a mere 15 carries, the biggest chunk of that coming from a 77-yard touchdown sprint that opened New York scoring. Denver had won the prior three meetings, including a 31-17 win in East Rutherford in 2014.
History Happens: 1999
Ironically, the Jets and Broncos have squared off with matching 0-3 records before. Seven months after their meeting in the AFC Championship Game (a 23-10 Denver win), the loss of starting quarterbacks from that showdown brought about hard times in each locale. John Elway retired after riding off into the victorious sunset in Super Bowl XXXIII, while the Jets lost Vinny Testaverde in a Week 1 loss to New England at Giants Stadium. The rematch at Mile High Stadium matched Rick Mirer and Brian Griese.
Girdiron ugliness ensued, with Mirer, Griese, and another Denver thrower, Bubby Brister, uniting for seven interceptions. Victor Green and Marcus Coleman had two each for the Jets, who erased a 13-7 deficit in the fourth quarter on a two-yard scoring rush by Curtis Martin. Mirer provided insurance on a 16-yard touchdown pass to Dedric Ward, while Coleman’s turnovers against Brister, each coming within the final four minutes, sealed the deal in a 21-13 Jets victory.
They Said It
“It’s wasted energy for me. It’s not going to help me at all. All I can do is make sure I get our guys in the right headspace to go out there on Thursday and play well.”–Jets head coach Adam Gase on rumors his job could be in jeopardy, per the Associated Press
“I think no matter who we’re playing right now, we definitely need a win…that’s the main focus. The focus for me is just to try to get better these next two days. We’re not going to get a lot of reps full speed with the guys. It’s about the mental reps and making sure I’m dialed in on protections and things like that.”–Broncos QB Brett Rypien on Thursday’s game, per Field Level Media
Matchup To Watch
Brett Rypien vs. Gregg Williams’ Defense
On paper, going up against Rypien, an undrafted college hero from Boise State making his first career NFL start seems simple enough. But, as they probably should’ve figured out by now, the Jets are in no position to take any opponent lightly, no matter his experience and resume.
The pass rush is coming off a tough weekend in Indianapolis, struggling to attack Phillip Rivers while dealing with the Colts’ experienced blocking unit. Facing the far younger, far more agile Rypien will be a change of pace, one the Jets must make as uncomfortable as possible for the debuting thrower.
However, this challenge could yet present a positive opportunity. Over the past couple of dreary defeats, it’s clear that the defense is also part of the Jets’ endless list of issues. Opening weekend’s lapses were understandable…the unit spent over 40 minutes in the field during Week 1 against Buffalo…but no one has been immune from football shortcomings in New York.
There have been plenty of individual silver linings. Marcus Maye had a strong debut as the leader of the secondary against the Bills. Quinnen Williams had his first multi-sack showing in the first game at MetLife. But it’s time to build some consistency. Going up against an inexperienced offensive leader…one who won’t have weapons like Courtland Sutton at his disposal…would be a strong way to do so. Williams can do his part in making Rypien miss his days as a collegiate Bronco by turning up the blitz.
The Jets Will Win If…
They take advantage of a team in more dire straights than they are.
Unlike the Jets, Denver had preseason accolades thrust upon them, energized by a strong conclusion to 2019 (7-5 after an 0-4 start, including a 4-1 stretch to end it). Injuries to several crucial starters (Lock, Sutton, Von Miller, A.J. Bouye, Jurrell Casey) and general inconsistencies have give way to a brutal start.
The playoffs are an afterthought, even after only three games, but the early de facto elimination grants them a macabre gift: the ability to play with little consequence and generally little to lose. They have to play like that, though. Barring a long to-go situation, there’s probably no reason to punt once the Jets get past their 40. Kicking field goals down 24-3 isn’t the way to do it either. There’s a rare opportunity here through the most morbid of must-wins, one that could potentially save the job of Adam Gase or several others. It’s a dire situation, but the Jets can feel a little bit better about the way things of gone if they take advantage.
The Broncos Will Win If…
They treat the Jets as they would any other opponent.
Each of the NFL’s 31 other teams can probably look at their situation and, no matter how dire it is, remark “at least we’re not the Jets”. But Denver is winless as well and are in no position to underestimate or disregard any opponents. It’s easy, perhaps, to let your guard down when one watches the New York film and sees lost efforts against San Francisco’s de facto second unit and a Colts team whose ceiling likely looms on wild card weekend.
One way to do that is not rely entirely on Rypien to win the game. Their matchup against Tampa Bay saw he and Driskel unite for 39 passes while Melvin Gordon received only eight carries. If Gordon is joined by Phillip Lindsay, the Broncos can rely on veteran rushing to help them get through a difficult primetime situation.
Prediction
Thursday’s game is perhaps the perfect storm for many in the Jets organization. While things are disappointing from a statistical standpoint in Denver, the Jets are in a position where a loss could lead to a sweeping change, one only exacerbated by the facts that they’re facing an equally desperate squad, haven’t played with anything resembling competitiveness over the first trio, and have ten days to prepare under a potential interim boss.
Desperation will be the name of the game on Thursday night, which will likely see strong ratings if only through nihilistic curiosity and internet meme potential (comparisons have already been drawn to the erratic presidential debate seen on Tuesday). At this moment, the Jets fit the description better. Denver, even with a plethora of medical woes, can still hang their helmets on the fact they’re relatively satisfied with their core. Time will tell how that desperation fuels New York in the future, but it well could be the key to temporary solace on Thursday.
Any given Sunday comes three days early. The Jets may be in dire straight, but dooming them to 0-16 is just a little too harsh.
Denver Broncos‘ Dalton Risner uses his platform to lift the spirits of others. When the pandemic hit, Risner saw fit to host a benefit via radio to raise money for charities that assist in the fight against the Coronavirus. Funds raised supported local food banks in Colorado, whose efforts aim to eradicate hunger for those in need.
Risner has dedicated his life to helping others through his Risner Up Foundation, run by his amazing family who serves as inspiration for his giving nature. The Risners dedicate their lives to enacting change in the lives of others and the world. They have raised their sons to be gentlemen and use their voice to be champions for those that need it most and it most certainly shows!
The work of this foundation does is truly remarkable. Whether it be visiting patients at Children’s Hospital Colorado and giving them his inspirational book and a stuffed animal from Build-A-Bear, serving food to those less fortunate, taking kids and their loved ones from the Boys and Girls Clubs and the Special Olympics to a special movie screening, speaking to students to teach them what it means to be a good person and so much more, no matter what he does, he does it to be a beacon of light in the lives of others.
A cause near and dear to his heart is the Special Olympics. As an ambassador for this wonderful organization, Risner works effortlessly to make sure that members of the Special Olympics are treated fairly and equally and recognized for their tremendous work. His book children’s book “Rise Up” aims at teaching young students the importance of inclusiveness and acceptance of others. It shows kids that love and kindness always wins and trumps all, something Risner perfectly embodies.
Risner is a true hero and a real advocate for those who need a voice. He is a role model to every generation and his work speaks volumes about the kind, giving, classy person he is! #RisnerUp
The Kansas City Chiefs won their first Superbowl in 50 years this past February. The team was lead to victory by their former MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes led the Chiefs to overcome a 10 point deficit in the fourth quarter of the game. While the Chiefs are expected to make another strong run for a championship title, there are a few teams that have had their potential flying quietly under the radar. Here are five teams that could surprise people with a strong season this fall.
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons had a worrisome start to their 2019 season. Through their first eight games before their bye week, the team had only won one game. Atlanta had appeared to be heading for a top pick in the draft. Some fans had lost hope on the remainder of the season. However, after the bye week, the team came back with a new identity. The Falcons won six of their last eight games including wins against playoff-caliber teams such as the Saints and the 49ers. Atlanta finished their year on an impressive four-game winning streak, leaving their fans with high hopes for the next season. The team followed up their strong end of season performance by adding running back Todd Gurley in the offseason and drafting one of the classes best corners in A.J. Terrell out of Clemson. The Falcons improved on both sides of the ball and are definitely a team to look out for in 2020.
Denver Broncos
Late last season the Broncos handed over their offense to their rookie quarterback Drew Lock. Denver drafted Lock in the second round last year and knew he would eventually take over as the teams starting QB. It wasn’t until Week 13 when Lock finally got his chance as the starter. Lock definitely didn’t disappoint as he performed very well and helped the team win four of their final five games since he took over. Denver continued to support Lock this offseason by adding more weapons on the offensive side of the ball. The team signed running back Melvin Gordon to play alongside running back Phillip Lindsay. The Broncos also added two more weapons on the outside. Denver drafted wide receivers Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler in the first two rounds. Not only did the team add two fantastic receivers in the draft, but they already have Courtland Sutton who had a breakout season last fall. The team has set Drew Lock up for success after surrounding him with tons of talent. The ceiling is high for the Denver offense in 2020 as they’ll look to compete with the best of the best this year.
New York Giants
The Giants made plenty of big moves this offseason, including major changes to their coaching staff. New York hired former Patriots special teams and wide receivers coach, Joe Judge to be the next head coach of the team. Judge has since come in and made significant changes to the teams coaching staff. He brought in former head coaches such as Jason Garrett and Freddie Kitchens to coach alongside him. Despite the team having a poor performance last season, there were some bright spots that displayed their potential. Last offseason the team drafted quarterback Daniel Jones sixth overall and the pick came with lots of controversies. Jones took over as the starter in the third week of the season replacing the franchise’s great Eli Manning. Jones performed well despite having trouble with turnovers. He displayed flashes of qualities of a franchise leading quarterback. The Giants added some key players in free agency such as cornerback James Bradberry and linebacker Blake Martinez. New York continued their offseason by drafting one of the top offensive tackles in the draft in April. With a revamped defense and offensive line, the Giants will look to surprise people this season.
Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals made one of the biggest moves this offseason by trading for superstar wide our DeAndre Hopkins. Arizona fans were provided with much hope after watching their number one overall pick last April be named the NFL offensive rookie of the year. Kyler Murray provided a spark to the Cardinals offense that turned him into one of the most electric players in the league. However, the team did not stop after trading for a superstar. They followed it up with a fantastic draft. The team selected do-it-all player Isaiah Simmons from Clemson. Simmons was considered by many the most talented player in the entire draft. Arizona had been lucky enough for Simmons to still be on the board by the eighth overall pick and there was so chance the Cardinals would let him getaway. The team also took another top offensive tackle in Josh Jones in the third round of the draft. The Cardinals could quite possibly become a must-watch team this upcoming season.
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins struggled badly at the start of last season. It seemed for sure that the team would end up with the first overall pick and likely not win a game all season. However, head coach Brian Flores kept his team fighting as they put on impressive performances against competitive teams late in the year. Despite having such a young and inexperienced roster, Miami was able to win a couple of games including beating their rival Patriots on the road in December. Miami landed arguably the top free agent corner in Byron Jones, giving them possibly the best cornerback duo in the entire league. The Dolphins also drafted what they consider to be their future franchise quarterback in this April’s draft with the fifth overall pick. Dolphins fans are extremely excited about their future as they believe their rebuild has been executed perfectly so far. The Dolphins will definitely be a sleeper team to watch this fall.
It didn’t take former New York Giants head coach Pat Shurmur very long to land on his feet. Just two weeks after being dismissed by the Giants, Shurmur appears to be headed to Denver to become the Broncos’ new offensive coordinator.
Former #Giants head coach Pat Shurmur is expected to be the #Broncos’ new offensive coordinator, sources tell me and @RapSheet. Deal not done but decision made on Shurmur’s end and it’s headed that way. Drew Lock gets a new OC.
With Rich Scangarello fired league source says Vic Fangio will move fast to secure Pat Shurmur as Broncos new offensive coordinator. Shurmur has offers from multiple teams but Broncos are his top choice in large part because of talented young core led by Drew Lock. #9sports
Shurmur will join Vic Fangio’s staff in Denver where Drew Lock is the quarterback. Before last year’s draft, Shurmur did not attend Lock’s pro day at Missouri last spring, sending offensive coordinator Mike Shula instead while he attended West Virginia QB Will Grier’s pro day.
Lock met with Shurmur the next week in New Jersey at the Giants’ facility but the Giants would pass on Lock – and every other quarterback on the board in favor of Daniel Jones, who they drafted with the sixth overall pick.
Shurmur is responsible for developing several quarterbacks in his long career as an assistant – Nick Foles, Case Keenum and Jones to name a few.
The New York Giants are in the second year of their rebuild. In 2019, New York is once again on pace to finish with a top-ten draft pick. The 2-8 Giants currently hold the third overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.
The Giants picked 6th overall in 2019 and 2nd overall in 2018. 2020 will be the Giants’ third straight year with a top-ten pick if they continue to lose the way they have. But a recent rumor from Benjamin Allbright suggests that in 2018, the Giants had the opportunity to trade back with the Denver Broncos in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft.
In this article, I will be exploring a hypothetical scenario that might have taken place if the New York Giants accepted the Denver Broncos’ offer in 2018. Of course, this is not definite. Everything has a cause and effect and there is no guarantee that any of these hypotheticals would have happened. But this is one scenario that could’ve happened if the Giants traded back in the 2018 NFL Draft.
The 2018 NFL Draft
If the rumor is true, then the Denver Broncos offered the New York Giants the 2018 5th overall pick, the 2018 40th overall pick, and what became the 2019 20th overall pick. Had the Giants made that deal, they would have likely missed out on Saquon Barkley. But they would have been able to fortify their offensive line with already All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson.
Nelson was drafted sixth overall by the Indianapolis Colts in 2018, so it is fair to assume that he would have been available for the Giants to draft with the fifth overall pick. So the Giants would have missed out on Saquon Barkley for Nelson, but they would have gotten a nice consolation prize at running back in the second round.
Nick Chubb would have been available for the Giants with the 34th overall pick since he was actually drafted 35th overall by the Browns in 2018. The Giants would then be picking again with Denver’s second-round pick, 40th overall. The Broncos drafted Courtland Sutton with this pick. Sutton would have been a solid option for the Giants.
Courtland Sutton, Harold Landry, Josh Jackson, Jessie Bates, and D.J. Chark were some of the top prospects available at this pick. Assume the Giants drafted based on need, Jessie Bates would have been a home run selection as the top safety available.
So, had the Giants made this trade, they would have ended up with an All-Pro left guard in Quenton Nelson, a thousand-yard-rusher as a rookie in Nick Chubb, and a rookie safety who totaled 111 tackles with 3 interceptions and 7 passes broken up in Jessie Bates.
The 2019 Offseason
I will be going through this hypothetical scenario under the concept of “ceteris paribus,” meaning “other things being equal or held constant.” So, Odell Beckham Jr. and Olivier Vernon still get traded, and the Giants still draft Daniel Jones and Dexter Lawrence.
The Giants drafted Dexter Lawrence with the 17th overall pick. Some controversy arose with this selection because the draft class still had a top-tier offensive tackle available. With the 20th overall pick, the Denver Broncos selected tight end, Noah Fant.
The Giants had and still have Evan Engram, so it is hard to believe they would have gone the same route as Denver did with Fant at pick 20. Instead, the Giants would get that offensive tackle prospect that they desperately needed then and even more desperately need now.
Andre Dillard was drafted by the division-rival Eagles with the 22nd overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. Dillard was the top offensive tackle prospect available and was though to be a premier pass-protector. Dillard has only started three games for the Eagles this season as they are grooming him to take over on the left side when Jason Peters retires, but he would have been a day-one starter on the right side of the Giants’ offensive line.
And this article was not written to be a Debbie Downer or Negative Nancy. I am not trying to criticize Dave Gettleman and the work he has done in the NFL Draft these last two years because I think he has done a superb job. This article was written for fun, as a hypothetical “What If?” situation, the same as “What if Eli Manning remained a San Diego Charger?” so, please, do not attack me on Twitter. This article was also written to point out that trading down in the NFL Draft can reap huge benefits, even if a team is trading only a few picks back.
NFL offensive tackle, Calvin Anderson comes from an athletic family. His grandfather was a professional tennis player and his father DeVry, who is now Colonel in the army, played football at Army.
Anderson has talents that go beyond being a star on the field. In high school, he also played basketball and tennis. He worked hard at The University of Texas and Rice University football teams. He truly is quite amazing as a fun fact he uses the Japanese game of Soduku to help solve a Rubik’s Cube behind his back!
October 1st the New York Jets announced that Anderson had been signed by the Denver Broncos to their active roster, after being on the New York Jets practice squad.
Anderson is only in his rookie year and has not truly had the chance to shine yet, but great things are in his future. Although no longer a New York Jet, he will surely prove to be an asset to the Denver Broncos.
Anderson brought class and kindness to New York always stopping and posing with fans at training camp and after New York Jets preseason games. Every single picture, he is gleaming and beaming, a testament to his sweet, positive, outgoing demeanor. He is a true footballer and true family man and cherishes every moment given to him both professionally and personally. He has always been one to achieve his dreams and reach his goals, graduating college with a degree in finance, and the NFL will be no different!
The New York Giants hold the 6th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. Everyone is waiting to see wether or not the Giants will finally attempt to draft Eli Manning‘s successor. However, nothing is set in stone.
This year’s draft class only has a couple of quarterbacks that are worthy of a first-round pick. If the Giants want to take one, they might even have to trade up. However, if they are not in love with one of the quarterback prospects, their best course of action might be to trade back.
Who Might Be Looking To Trade Up?
A few quarterback-needy teams could try to move into the top 10 to get their franchise signal-caller. The Giants could potentially go all-in on Eli Manning, trade back to accumulate draft picks, and build the team around the 38 year old veteran.
That is an unlikely, and probably unwise scenario. A more likely scenario would be if a team jumped in front of the Giants and took the quarterback they want. Thus would then cause the Giants to move back in the draft to get more picks. There are multiple teams who could potentially try to trade with the Giants.
One team that stands out is the Denver Broncos. The Broncos’ general manager, John Elway, has been rumored to view quarterback prospect Drew Lock as his guy. If the Giants do not share the same opinion, they could move back to the Broncos’ 10th spot.
The Miami Dolphins is another team to look out for in the 2019 NFL Draft. They are another quarterback-needy team picking outside of the top ten. They currently hold the 13th pick, which could end up being too far back to select a franchise quarterback. So if there is someone in this draft they want to select, trading up to the 6th pick would not be a bad idea.
The Giants could consider trading the 6th pick to a division rival. The Washington Redskins are going to be without Alex Smith this year due to a gruesome injury. This could possibly mean Smith’s retirement. They need to draft a quarterback to secure their future. With the 15th pick, Washington could look to trade up inside the top 10 and get themselves a quarterback.
What Could The Giants Get For The 6th Pick?
The 6th pick has a value of 1,600 points while the 10th pick has a value of 1,300. In order to add the 300 points of value, the Broncos could throw in a 2nd round pick. The Broncos’ second rounder is the 41st pick, which is worth 490 points, but that is likely fair enough compensation considering the Broncos would be selecting a quarterback.
The 13th pick is worth 1,150 points. In addition to the 13th pick, the Dolphins could trade the 48th pick from round 2 (worth 420 points) and the 141st pick from round 5 (worth 35.5 points) to make this trade. The Giants would then have plenty of draft capital necessary to add depth to their roster.
Washington’s 15th overall pick is worth 1,050 points. With the 15th pick already included, if the Redskins threw in their round 2, 46th overall pick (worth 440 points), and their 3rd round pick, 77th overall (worth 205 points), to total a package worth 1,695 points. The extra 95 points would likely make up for the fact that this is an in-division trade.
Who Could The Giants Draft If They Trade Back?
Trading back into the pick 10-20 of the first round could be of great value for the Giants. On top of the extra 2nd and mid round picks they would receive, they would have the ability to draft a defensive playmaker, or a great offensive linemen. Cody Ford is a player that has been mocked to the Giants and would likely be available if they traded back.
The draft class is filled with talented playmakers on defense. Cornerbacks and edge rushers are abundant. If one of the top-end players slides due to the high volume of playmakers on defense, the Giants could get a draft-day steal.
Edge rusher is one of the Giants’ top needs heading into the 2019 offseason. Montez Sweat is a player that has been mocked within picks 10-20 in recent mock drafts.
Cody Ford, Offensive Tackle, Oklahoma
In 2018, Cody Ford played right tackle for the Oklahoma Sooners. He is listed at 6’4″ and 338 pounds. Do not let his large stature fool you. Ford is an agile tackle with the ability to pass protect speed rushers.
Cody Ford is a gritty Hog Molly who loves to finish the play strong. Dave Gettleman loves strong, aggressive linemen, and Ford would fit right in with his mold of what an offensive lineman should be.
The Giants are in desperate need of a right tackle. Ford would be an instant upgrade at that position. And after a few years, Ford could move to the left side once Nate Solder moves on to retirement.
Montez Sweat, Edge Rusher, Mississippi State
Montez Sweat is a freakish 6’6″ 245 pound edge rusher out of Mississippi State. He was very productive in his junior and senior years. He totaled 10.5 sacks as a junior and 12 sacks as a senior.
Sweat’s bull rush is excellent. He has the ability to push linemen and collapse the pocket. He is also able to plug holes in run support with his strength and ability to move the line.
However, Sweat is not a perfect prospect. Montez could improve his bend and flexibility on the outside. He does not have a ton of pass-rush moves, mainly just the bull rush, plus an occasional swim. If he adds another move or counter-move or two, he could be a great player. Check out Sweat’s bullrush on full display at the Senior Bowl:
He might take some time to develop, but Montez Sweat has the potential to be a great player at the next level. He could be a draft day steal if the Giants decide to trade back in the 2019 NFL Draft.
