NEW YORK STATE OF MIND
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April 28, 2008 · Print This Article
Call it a tale of two drafts — the reason why the Giants win Super Bowls and why the Jets are still living in 1969.
The NFL Draft arrived in New York City for its annual catwalk of top college talent over the weekend, and as usual, the contingent of Jets fans was overwhelming. And as usual, Jets fans had a high draft choice to contemplate.
These fans cheered when the No. 6 pick came and New York selected Ohio State defensive end Vernon Gholston. But the reality is this defensive end was as much a reach as anyone in the top end of the draft. Upside? Yes. But Gholston has bust tattooed all over his massive biceps.
Just luck of the draw. Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan went third and Arkansas running back Darren McFadden fourth. The top linemen were also gone by the time the Jets picked. So they took a guy that’s considered an enigma.
Then the Jets traded back into the first round (30th overall) to select a tight end. Really. Given the Jets’ history with drafting tight ends in the first round, Dustin Keller has already got a target on his back.
Compare that first round with that of Big Blue. The reigning Super Bowl champs used the last pick of the first round (31) to pluck an instant starter at safety with a pedegree worth respecting — Miami’s Kenny Phillips.
Then when the Giants reached, they took someone who could be a real star. That was Michigan’s Mario Manningham in the third round.
In case you are scoring at home, that’s two potential busts for the Jets versus two future Pro Bowlers for the Giants. Enough said.




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