Jets and Giants Focus on Defense in Round 1 of the N.F.L. Draft

The New York space’s soccer groups, not less than reasonably profitable final yr, didn’t get to select within the glamorous prime few spots within the first spherical of the N.F.L. draft on Thursday. Away from the highlight, they each chosen defensive gamers who appear like they may help already strong cores.

Anything the Jets did on draft day was going to be overshadowed by the blockbuster commerce for the longer term Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers earlier within the week. That acquisition prompted many prognosticators to imagine the Jets would take an offensive lineman to guard their new asset.

But choosing at No. 15 (two slots decrease than initially assigned due to a choose swap within the Rodgers deal), the Jets went for Will McDonald IV, an edge-rushing defensive finish from Iowa State.

McDonald is a sack specialist, holding the Big 12 profession document, and at 6-foot-4 and 239 kilos, a bodily marvel, by all accounts. He enjoys leaping over automobiles, though he mentioned he deliberate to cease the interest now that he’s a professional.

McDonald is the primary Iowa State participant to go within the first spherical since 1973. The group was 4-8 final yr, however did win the Fiesta Bowl within the 2020 season.

McDonald joins Quinnen Williams, the Jets’ star defensive lineman, who had 12 sacks final season. The Jets had been tied for seventh in sacks final season, and if McDonald pans out, they might flip into one of many elite groups in that class. McDonald’s run protection is an even bigger query mark.

“We’re not going to force anything,” General Manager Joe Douglas mentioned. “We’re always going to let the board come to us and take the best player available.”

He added, “We’re hopeful to have a few double-digit leads late and have different waves of pass rushers to attack offensive linemen.”

Announcing the choose was not Commissioner Roger Goodell, however 13-year-old Kyle Stickles, as a part of the Make-a-Wish program. He received to say, “With the 15th pick in the 2023 NFL draft, the New York J-E-T-S Jets Jets Jets select …”

The Giants’ 9-7-1 document and playoff berth received them choose No. 25, however a draft-day commerce moved them up one spot to take cornerback Deonte Banks of Maryland.

Banks had a shoulder harm that led him to overlook a lot of the 2021 season, however he returned in 2022. Though his uncooked numbers weren’t superb — two interceptions in his profession — he was a sizzling commodity main as much as the draft, assembly with a dozen groups.

“He’s a prototype from a size standpoint,” mentioned General Manager Joe Schoen. “He’s athletic, he’s physical, he can run.”

Cornerback appeared like a transparent want for the Giants going into draft day. Banks will be a part of a corps led by Adoree’ Jackson, who’s within the final yr of his contract.

The Giants had been additionally mentioned to be contemplating taking a large receiver for Daniel Jones to throw to. But large receivers went in all 4 slots from No. 20 to 23, depleting the alternatives there. There was even some scuttlebutt that regardless of the group simply signing Jones to a long-term deal, it could go for an additional quarterback.

“It may not be a popular first-round position, but, best player available,” Schoen mentioned of the choose of Banks.

“You can never have enough good corners,” Coach Brian Daboll mentioned.