Draft Grades

The 2021 NFL Draft has come and gone. Now, it’s time to take a look at how our New Jersey teams did. In this edition of Garden State Gridiron, we will examine the key selections from each team as well as some alternate options that were available at the time and give each team a final grade.

New York Giants

1.20 (from 1.11) WR Kadarius Toney - Top Other Options: (1.11) LB Micah Parsons, OT Rashawn Slater; (1.20) EDGE Kwity Paye, CB Caleb Farley, OT Christian Darrisaw

2.18 (from 2.10) EDGE Azeez Ojilari - Top Available Options: (2.10) OT Liam Eichenberg, FS Trevon Moerhig, OG Aaron Banks; (2.18) OT Sam Cosmi, LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, TE Pat Freiermuth

3.07 CB Aaron Robinson - Top Available Options: CB Banjamin St-Juste, CB Paulson Adebo, WR Dyami Brown, OG Wyatt Davis, RB Trey Sermon

Best Day 3 Pick: CB Rodarius Williams

Grade: B-

The Giants surprised millions by trading back in the first round for the first time in Dave Gettleman’s tenure. Their main target, DeVonta Smith, was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles following a stunning trade with the Dallas Cowboys. New York then forced an early wide receiver selection with Kadarius Toney, despite the best pass protector in the draft, Christian Darrisaw, being available at the time.

New York redeemed themselves with the selections of Azeez Ojilari and Aaron Robinson on day 2. Ojilari is one of the best pass-rushers in the draft and Robinson is possibly the best slot corner. Both can contribute early in their rookie season. Additionally, Rodarius Williams is a high-end backup corner who can fill in when needed and be a key special teams player. He’s a great value in round 6.

The failure to address offensive line and linebacker are concerning, but a strong day 2 carries this draft class.

New York Jets

1.02 QB Zach Wilson - Top Available Options: QB Trey Lance, QB Justin Fields

1.14 (from 1.23) OG Alijah Vera-Tucker - Top Available Options: (1.14) EDGE Jaelan Philips; (1.23) OT Christian Darrisaw, CB Greg Newsome II

2.02 WR Elijah Moore – Top Available Options: RB Javonte Williams, DT Christian Barmore, CB Kelvin Joseph, CB Asante Samuel Jr.

Beat Day 3 Pick: RB Michael Carter

Grade: A-

The Jets leaned into the next phase of their rebuild by focusing on the offense early in the draft. They selected their new starting quarterback, traded up for the best interior offensive lineman available, and added two reliable weapons to help Zach Wilson right away. In a shallow backfield, Michael Carter will have plenty of early opportunities and could lead the team in rushing.

The failure to address the cornerback position hurts the Jets here. They have possibly the weakest cornerback room in the entire league and a few late-round additions are probably not enough to turn it around. Wilson and the Jets will need to score early and often to keep the Jets in games this season.

Philadelphia Eagles

1.10 WR DeVonta Smith - Top Available Options: QB Justin Fields, OT Rashawn Slater, EDGE Jaelan Philips, Staying at 1.12

2.05 OC Landon Dickerson - Top Available Options: CB Kelvin Joseph, CB Asante Samuel Jr., FS Trevon Moehrig, OG Aaron Banks, LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, WR Terrace Marshall Jr.

3.09 (from 3.06) DT Milton Williams - Top Available Options: CB Banjamin St-Juste, CB Paulson Adebo, WR Dyami Brown, WR Josh Palmer, EDGE Chauncy Golston, CB Ifeatu Melifonwu

Beat Day 3 Pick: RBKenneth Gainwell

Grade: D

The Eagles left draft weekend with one of the most uncertain classes in the league. Howie Roseman is famous for his “Hope is not a strategy” line following some of the most injury-ridden seasons the league has ever seen, yet he made some of the riskiest selections of the entire draft.

DeVonta Smith, despite his Heisman acumen, has serious concerns about his size, his speed, and his ability to get open in the NFL. Plus, they gave up a third round pick to trade up for him.

Landon Dickerson has been injured almost his entire college career. He’s great when he is on the field, but between two ACL tears and two major ankle injuries, it’s difficult to count on his availability.

Milton Williams comes from a small school, Louisiana Tech, and is an undersized defensive tackle. His short arms and lack of bulk will be obstacles to overcome.

Kenneth Gainwell appears to be the most reliable selection with a defined role, similar to that of Darren Sproles and Nyheim Hines, and he was a great value selection.

Philadelphia failed to address both cornerback and linebacker despite their several opportunities to do so. Passing on some of the best players at both of those positions, including Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Paulson Adebo, and Ifeatu Melifonwu as well as talented receivers like Terrace Marshall Jr. and Dyami Brown for these high-risk players hurts the Eagles’ outlook for this season and beyond.