News 12 Sports Mailbag: Grading the 2020 drafts for the Giants, Jets and more

The 2020 NFL Draft has come and gone with a very different feel to it, as Commissioner Roger Goodell delivered the picks from his basement and soon-to-be players reacted from their homes.

News 12 Staff

Apr 28, 2020, 7:22 PM

Updated 1,550 days ago

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The 2020 NFL Draft has come and gone with a very different feel to it, as Commissioner Roger Goodell delivered the picks from his basement and soon-to-be players reacted from their homes. News 12 Sports' Pete Ruf, Kevin Maher and Jamie Stuart are breaking down their thoughts on the picks – who do you agree with?
Grade each team’s entire draft – break down what you liked/didn’t like:
PETE RUF
Giants: B- ... I thought the G-Men could have gotten a better offensive tackle than Georgia Bulldog Andrew Thomas with the 4th overall pick. Safety Xavier McKinney was a solid second round pick. The Giants are hoping he turns into another Landon Collins.
Keep an eye on 5th round offensive guard Shane Lemieux out of Oregon. He should solidify an improved line. He was the third offensive lineman taken by the G-men in the first 5 rounds.
The Giants draft wasn't sexy but it should get the organization pointed in the right direction.
Jets: B+ ... The Jets did what most thought drafting an offensive tackle and wide receiver in the first two rounds. Louisville's Mekhi Becton could be a Pro Bowler in a few years - really like that pick at 11.
Maybe even better was getting Denzel Mims with the 59th pick. Many experts thought the Baylor product was a first rounder. He could be Sam Darnold's main target for many years.
California Safety Ashtyn Davis could turn into a fan favorite and don't be surprised if 4th round pick Cameron Clark gets a lot playing time this season. The offensive lineman out of Charlotte could surprise with his versatility.
Not sure about taking QB James Morgan with the 125th pick - hopefully Sam stays healthy. He should with a much improved offensive line.
Eagles: C ... The Cowboys taking CeeDee Lamb at 17 really threw the Eagles for a loop. Many expected Dallas to take an edge rusher. Instead Lamb went to Texas and Philly chose TCU receiver Jalen Reagor. He was the first of three wide receivers taken by the organization. Not sure if Reagor, John Hightower or Quez Watkins will move the needle as much as the Eagles are hoping.
The biggest head-scratcher for me was taking Oklahoma QB Jalen Hurts with the 53rd overall pick. I know Carson Wentz is injury prone but choosing Hurts here doesn't improve your team.
Patriots: C- ... Can't believe I gave Bill Belichick this grade but I did. I'm thinking he's going to tank the season and draft Clemson Quarterback Trevor Lawrence next year with the first overall pick.
Patriots' first 3 picks were defensive players - funny last year they had the best defense for most of the season. They did not pick a quarterback although they signed free agent J'Mar Smith out of Louisiana Tech. The Patriots string of AFC East Titles is in major jeopardy.
Bonus Team!
Dallas Cowboys: A+ ... WR CeeDee Lamb was a steal at 17.. Alabama CB Trevon Diggs will be a playmaker right away and third round pick Neville Gallimore should be a solid backup at defensive tackle.
Trading up and getting Wisconsin center Tyler Biadasz in the fourth round was smart. He isn't retired Travis Frederick - another Badger - but has the same type of motor. New head coach Mike McCarthy has a team that has the talent to go deep into the playoffs.
The Cowboys, Giants and Redskins all improved making the NFC East much better this season. Let's hope we have football in the fall. 
KEVIN MAHER
Giants: B+ ... I think they may regret not taking Isaiah Simmons in the first round. But you can't cry over it now. Andrew Thomas made a name for himself by coming up big in big games against SEC opponents. He'll need to do the same and do it quickly for the Giants offensive line.  But no ghosts of Ereck Flowers with him. I liked how the Giants went all defense with their last five picks. 65% of NFL rosters last year were made up of players either drafted in the fourth round or later or not drafted at all. The Giants need at least three of those guys to make an impact.
Jets: B+ ... The decision to draft OL Mekhi Becton is a sign that they are not messing around with Sam Darnold getting his butt kicked.   The offensive line was a glaring need.  And without true play makers at wide receiver it has to give Darnold more time for plays to develop.   Becton needs to blossom early.   Most off all we learned new GM Joe Douglas isn't afraid to take chances. He's been applauded for some of the trades he made and if fifth round pick safety Bryce Hall can recover from a gruesome ankle injury he could be one of the steals in this draft. Drafting Florida International QB James Morgan in the fourth round gets a big "EH" from me. It doesn't move my meter. I'd rather see a veteran as the backup to Darnold.  
Eagles: B ... I love the gamble on QB Jalen Hurts in the second round.  Do they need him?  No.  But head coach Doug Peterson is one of the best play callers around.  He'll find a way to get Hurts on the field and make him successful.  
JAMIE STUART
Jets ... B+
Giants ... B
 


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