With The First Pick
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Jason Pierre-Paul trade shakes up the 2018 NFL Draft

By Jon Dove

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 19: Jason Pierre-Paul #90 of the New York Giants in action against the Kansas City Chiefs during their game at MetLife Stadium on November 19, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 19: Jason Pierre-Paul #90 of the New York Giants in action against the Kansas City Chiefs during their game at MetLife Stadium on November 19, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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The New York Giants decision to trade Jason Pierre-Paul to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has serious implications for the 2018 NFL Draft.

For awhile, everyone figured the New York Giants would target either a quarterback or Saquon Barkley with the 2nd pick of the 2018 NFL Draft. Today’s trade sending Jason Pierre-Paul to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers forces a change in thinking.

The Giants now have a need for another pass rusher. This puts them in play to select NC State’s Bradley Chubb with the 2nd pick. It’s a curious move for the Giants, but it also makes some sense.

They are able to add some draft capital and select a player worthy of the No. 2 overall pick. Chubb is a dynamic athlete who can generate pressure on the quarterback and support the run. He would immediately become one of the better players on the Giants defense.

Slotting Chubb in at No. 2 really changes the way this draft could shake out. Below is a quick projection of the top-10 picks.

More from With the First Pick

  1. Cleveland Browns- Sam Darnold
  2. New York Giants- Bradley Chubb
  3. New York Jets (Indy)- Josh Rosen
  4. Cleveland Browns (Hou)- Saquon Barkley
  5. Denver Broncos- Josh Allen
  6. Indianapolis Colts (NYJ)- Tremaine Edmunds
  7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Derwin James
  8. Chicago Bears- Quenton Nelson
  9. San Francisco 49ers- Minkah Fitzpatrick
  10. Oakland Raiders- Roquan Smith

The biggest loser in this situation would be the Indianapolis Colts. They have a major need for an edge rusher and were likely hoping Chubb fell into their laps. Tremaine Edmunds is a strong prospect, but doesn’t have the same track record as Chubb.

Tampa Bay is also a big winner because they were able to address their biggest need by landing Pierre-Paul. It also means they can go in several directions with the 7th pick. Derwin James, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Quenton Nelson would all make sense.

Of course, it’s far from a certainty that the Giants select Chubb at No. 2 overall. It’s possible that they have different plans to add another pass rusher. They could still very well select a quarterback or Barkley.

However, the trade creates a little more uncertainty and drama at the top of the 2018 NFL Draft.

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