Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Jets, Giants Make Their First Draft Picks
By
Tom Boorstein
Published Apr 27, 2008
Modified Apr 27, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Tom Boorstein
Published Apr 27, 2008
Modified Apr 27, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Photograph, above, of Vernon Gholston, 6th NFL Draft pick overall, at Radio City Music Hall by Jason DeCrow/AP; photograph, below, of Jets fans cheering the pick by Julie Jacobson/AP
Being the sixth-worst team in the NFL has its advantages come April. The Jets had the sixth pick in this weekend's NFL Draft, and, despite hopes that Arkansas running back Darren McFadden would fall to them, ended up taking talented Ohio State defensive end Vernon Gholston. Then they traded up to make another first-round pick, surprising most with their pick of Dustin Keller, a pass-catching tight end from Purdue.
No one can quibble with Gholston. He is strong, fast (go about 1 minute into this video) and seems like he'll be a fine student in Eric Mangini's school of defense. Anyone disappointed with the Raiders' pick of McFadden need only look a a slew of other high-profile backs (see Bush, Reggie) that have yet to meet sky-high expecations.
Jets fans didn't know what to make of the Keller pick, however. He's drawn comparisons to Indianapolis Colts tight end Dallas Clark, but Keller won't be on the same field as Peyton Manning and Reggie Wayne, at least not until the Jets play the Colts. Keller's fast and doesn't block, and that means he's only half a tight end.
As for the Giants, they closed out the first round -- with the 31st pick, thanks to the punishment for the Patriots' video scandal -- by taking Kenny Phillips. The Miami safety should help fill the void left by the departed Gibril Wilson and was a pick many saw coming a mile off. The Giants continued with their secondary them by picking USC safety Terrell Thomas in the second round. As for Jeremey Shockey, both general manager Jerry Reese and coach Tom Coughlin brushed aside questions.
Tagged
Dustin Keller
Eric Mangini
football
giants
jerry reese
jets
Kenny Phillips
NFL Draft
sports
Terrell Thomas
tom coughlin
Vernon Gholston
Tom Boorstein
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
NYPD: 2 suspects in off-duty officer stabbing tried to rob victim
It’s unclear if the attackers knew the victim was NYPD.
By
Jill Webb
Published Oct 3, 2026 at 2:01 p.m. ET
Astoria-born Chip City announces sudden closure days after former CEO sues
The company blamed ‘macro-economic headwinds.’ The co-founder is suing over compensation.
By
Catalina Gonella
News
Astoria-born Chip City announces sudden closure days after former CEO sues
The company blamed ‘macro-economic headwinds.’ The co-founder is suing over compensation.
By
Catalina Gonella
US judge tosses Trump lawsuit targeting pro-Palestinian protesters in NJ
By
Willow Higgins
A big, bright Saturn will be the highlight of NYC's fall stargazing season
By
Rosemary Misdary
NYC tow companies busted for ripping off drivers must give $67K in refunds, city says
By
Liam Quigley
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .