Will the NFL Draft Produce Improvement for the Jets and Giants?

The NFL Draft is over and two teams needing a lot of help were the New York Jets and the New York Giants. Can those who attend matches at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey can begin to look forward to the new season with increased enthusiasm?

Last season was not a memorable one for either the Jets or the Giants. The Jets could only finish third in the AFC East with just five wins. That left them 11th overall in the AFC and five wins short of a wild card.

Big changes were needed therefore and notable arrivals for the Jets include Armand Membou and Mason Taylor. Offensive tackle Membou was their first pick (and seventh overall) and certainly ticks a box in terms of what the Jets were needing in the draft.

He’s certainly a player who has a positive approach to the game. When he takes to the field, he says his approach is: “No friends out there. So just get after everybody.” With a postseason drought of 14 years, the Jets need all the help they can get to end the longest unsuccessful streak in the NFL.

Up next for the Jets was Mason Taylor. The tight end had success playing college football with the LSU Tigers. He can get some great advice from his father, Jason Taylor who is a Pro Football Hall of Famer. If the Jets are to get better results next season, then a big-time pass catcher in their offense is something they have a great need for.

From the Florida State Seminoles comes cornerback. He’s another who will add a degree of toughness to the Jets. “I’m going to smother you” and “lock down my side of the field” is his philosophy.

Wide receiver Arian Smith is a speedy sort and has recorded a time of 4.36 seconds for the 40-yard dash. With 48 catches for 817 yards last year and four touchdowns scored, he sounds impressive but has had some big injury problems in the past so the Jets will hope he can stay fit.

Strong safety Malachi Moore and linebacker Francisco Mauigoa and Tyler Baron are now all with the Jets. How have New Jersey sportsbooks by NJBet reacted to their acquisitions? The Jets are still a massive +10000 to win the AFC Conference with only the Cleveland Browns at longer odds. 

When it comes to a bet on who will win the AFC East, the Jets are the +1700 outsiders. It’s +490 that the Jets finally make another appearance in the play-offs. Some improvement is expected though with them being -140 to win over 5.5 regular season games.

In terms of individual honors, Mason Taylor is +15000 to be named Offensive Rookie of the Year with Ashton Jeanty of the Las Vegas Raiders the +270 favorite. When it comes to the Defensive Rookie of the Year,  Azareye’h Thomas is a +15000 outsider. Currently heading the market is Abdul Carter and that brings us to the New York Giants.

Carter was their first pick and the third overall. The Penn State linebacker won both the Unanimous All-American and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year awards in 2024. Last season saw the Giants finish bottom of the NFC East with a 3-14 record. That left them rock bottom of the overall NFC standings.

Some major reinforcements were needed in the draft. Carter has a big task on his hands but he’s already lost his first battle. He wanted to wear the No 56 jersey but that was retired when Lawrence Taylor stopped playing and he’s not willing to see that number make a return. Carter is probably unlikely to ever headline WrestleMania in the future either. He has already become the highest-drafted defensive lineman the Giants have ever had.

Their second pick was quarterback Jaxson Dart who has had success in college football with both the USC Trojans and Ole Miss Rebels.He’s definitely one for the future rather than making an impact in the upcoming season. 

Defensive tackle Darius Alexander was their third choice with Cam Skattebo the next to be added. The running back achieved the second-highest running yards in the FBS but can he do that for the Giants?

They have another tough season ahead of them according to New Jersey sportsbooks. The Giants are +11000 to win the NFC.  You need to be brave to back them at +2500 to win the NFC East with the Philadelphia Eagles the -160 favorites to win the division. It’s +820 for them to reach the play-offs. You can get odds of -140 on them winning under 5.5 games next regular season..

The hope is that the draft has strengthened the Jets and Giants but hopes of success next season are pretty slim according to sportsbooks.