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While sorting through your Giants and Jets questions over the last few days, and answering them in my Jets and Giants mailbags, I noticed a few asking me to compare the two teams. So sure, I'll take my shot at evaluating how they measure up in my first Giants-Jets combo mailbag:

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The Jets only started their rebuilding project during free agency, and it's clearly far from finished. There is work to be done in several key areas, including at cornerback, receiver, and along the offensive line.

New GM Joe Douglas has eight draft picks to finish that work, including four valuable selections in the first two days of the draft. There's still a month to go before the first pick is made on April 23, but here's one look at how Douglas' selections could go in SNY's first Jets 7-round Mock Draft:

First round (11th overall) - Alabama OT Jedrick Wills

There is a very good argument for taking a receiver here, especially since it's possible no receiver will come off the board in the Top 10 picks. Taking the top-rated prospect at a position of need will be enticing.

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When Joe Douglas first met Sam Darnold's parents at a preseason game last August, he did his best to reassure them that their son was in good hands. He knew Darnold was the Jets' most precious commodity. So he vowed their kid would be treated that way, too.

"I promised them I was going to do everything in my power to take care of Sam with protection and playmakers," Douglas said in a conference call on Wednesday. "I think we still have a lot to do in both those regards."

Yes they do -- especially when it comes to finding playmakers to help make the Darnold-run offense go.

Ryan Griffin made a strong impression with the Jets in 2019, and the Gang Green committed to him even more on Saturday night.

According to ESPN's Field Yates, the Jets have exercised the 2021 option year in Griffin's contract.

The 30-year-old tight end established some strong chemistry with quarterback Sam Darnold during his first season in New York, and as a result, the Jets rewarded him in late November with a new three-year, $10.8 million deal with $4 million guaranteed.

Through the first wave of free agency, Joe Douglas and the Jets have taken time to improve the team's offensive line -- their No. 1 offseason priority -- while also bringing back a number of their own players who had hit the open market.

With moving pieces now falling into place, here's a look at how the Jets' depth chart may be looking right now (or at least our best guess), though there's still work to be done ...

QUARTERBACK: Sam Darnold, Mike White

This offseason, much has been made about the Giants' backup quarterback situation, but the Jets could also use a veteran signal-caller behind Darnold. Trevor Siemian and David Fales, both of whom saw playing time with Darnold dealing with mono last season, are both free agents, and the Jets must add to the QB depth chart.

White is a former fifth-round pick by the Dallas Cowboys, but he doesn't have the experience many teams look for at the backup spot.

Scott Thompson, SNY.tv | Twitter | 

The NFL Scouting Combine has been in full swing this week, but the real scouting begins on Thursday when the quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends kick off drills to see which prospects can stand out among the rest. 

Here's who the Jets should be keeping a close eye on when it all begins at 4 p.m...

Things didn't go according to plan for Chris Herndon in 2019. 

The Jets tight end was suspended four games for violating the NFL's PED policy, missed another four games with a hamstring injury, then fractured his ribs only 16 snaps into his season debut, ending his season. 

Without Herndon, Ryan Griffin stepped up.

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Over the next week or so, we're taking an in-depth look at the rookie season for each of the Jets' 2019 rookie class. We continue today with a look at tight end Trevon Wesco, who was selected in the fourth round out of West Virginia.

On the face of it, Wesco had a disappointing season, as he only caught two passes, struggled in pass protection and did little to elevate the Jets' underwhelming running game. However, there were signs of usefulness throughout the season and some evidence of progression.

He typically had mixed results as a run blocker from the tight end position early in the season but seemed to improve his consistency as the season went along. He seemed to hold up well at the point attack and was able to handle assignments that required him to set the edge against defensive linemen while at times flashing dominance against smaller players in space.

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The saddest thing about the current state of the Jets is that this was supposed to be the year they arrived. After nine years of waiting for a playoff game, after enduring three years of rebuilding under ex-GM Mike Maccagnan, it was all supposed to come together in 2019.

Not only didn't that happen, but now the Jets appear to be on the brink of a rebuilding project again.

Jets head coach Adam Gase entering another week coming off a win at home, searching for his team's first win streak of the season. They have a good chance to make that happen against the lowly Redskins, whose only win this season came against the Dolphins. 

During his daily presser before practice, Gase was brought to the attention of some of his players saying this franchise as had a hard time sustaining success, though. Just when it looks like they've turned the corner with a big win, they end up taking a loss the next week to counteract it. 

That's why Gase is determined to focus solely on this week, and not have the win in the back of his mind. For him, the past week -- win or loss -- doesn't matter. 

It was announced by Jets head coach Adam Gase that TE Chris Herndon and G Brian Winters suffered tough injuries during the win over the Giants on Sunday. Now, it's the last game the two Jets will play this season. 

The Jets announced via Twitter that both Herndon and Winters have been placed on the season-ending IR. Herndon suffered a fractured rib, while Winters re-dislocated his shoulder and may need surgery. 

This is particularily tough for Herndon, who had the exact opposite sophomore campaign (or lack thereof) than his rookie season, where he proved to be a playmaker at the tight end position.

The Jets win over the Giants in Week 10 came as a costly one. 

Head coach Adam Gase said two starters, tight end Chris Herndon and offensive lineman Brian Winters, both suffered extensive injuries. 

Herndon, who was making his season debut, fractured a rib. Winters re-dislocated his shoulder and may need surgery. 

It "looks good" for Jets RB Le'Veon Bell and TE Chris Herndon when it comes to them playing on Sunday against the Giants, head coach Adam Gase said on Friday.

Both Bell and Herndon will be limited in practice on Friday, Gase said. 

Bell has been dealing with a knee/ankle injury, but has been making steady progress all week.

Ralph Vacchiano | Facebook | Twitter | Archive

The Giants and Jets are a combined 3-14, one year after going a combined 9-23, one year after going a combined 8-24. That's a 20-61 record over the last 2 ½ seasons, for a "winning" percentage of .246.

So no, the Giants and Jets don't match up particularly well with the rest of the professional football world right now. But how do they match up with each other?

In advance of their big showdown on Sunday at the Meadowlands, let's take a look:

Ralph Vacchiano | Facebook | Twitter | Archive

The Giants and Jets are a combined 3-14, one year after going a combined 9-23, one year after going a combined 8-24. That's a 20-61 record over the last 2 ½ seasons, for a "winning" percentage of .246.

So no, the Giants and Jets don't match up particularly well with the rest of the professional football world right now. But how do they match up with each other?

In advance of their big showdown on Sunday at the Meadowlands, let's take a look:

Ralph Vacchiano | Facebook | Twitter | Archive

The Jets' fanbase is furious, if not outright disgusted. The frustration is building inside the Jets organization, too. They are now 1-7 in what they thought would be their first playoff season in nearly a decade, and they just lost to a team that might very well be trying to lose.

Given all those extremes, it's impossible to say for sure that Adam Gase won't be one-and-done as the Jets' head coach. When the losses pile up, fans revolt, and the wheels begin to come off, anything is possible.

As the Jets look to get a win down in Miami against the Dolphins, they'll do so with TE Chris Herndon playing for the first time this season. 

Herndon was practicing on a limited basis -- the same as he has the past few weeks -- but was considered to be ruled out since that was the result each time. However, the Jets and Herndon feel as though he's ready to make his season debut.

It hasn't been the start to the year Herndon liked, serving a four-game suspension for pleading guilty to a DWI back in June 2018. After the suspension was over, he sustained a hamstring injury that has kept him out the past three games as well. 

Jets safety Jamal Adams popped up on Thursday's injury report and was listed as limited, but head coach Adam Gase said Friday that the third-year pro had his foot stepped on late in practice. He sat out the rest of practice, but suiting up for Sunday's Week 9 matchup with the Dolphins.

"Someone stepped on his foot pretty deep into practice," Gase said. "We were just being precautionary, but everything is fine there."

While Adams is expected to play, a slew of players will be limited in Friday's practice, including tight end Chris Herndon. Herndon injured his hamstring while serving a four-game suspension to begin the season and has yet to make his 2019 debut.

Sam Darnold may not have been seeing ghosts this time, but he had plenty of reasons to be scared.

The Jets' offensive line was atrocious, again, in the Jets' 29-15 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Darnold was constantly on the run, was sacked eight times, and they weren't much better in the running game where Le'Veon Bell barely had any room to run.

The result was another offensive disaster. The Jets scored on a 93-yard drive on their opening possession - their first opening-drive touchdown in 31 tries. The rest of the game they only had 120 more yards for a pathetic total of 213.

It's a mess.

A day after the Jets secured their first win of the season, Jets head coach Adam Gase had a few injuries to inform the media about. 

The biggest one -- and the one the Jets may worry about most heading into the new week -- was LT Kelvin Beachum sustaining a sprained ankle.

He is currently week-to-week, and the Jets are going to have to plan like he won't be available for the Jets' Monday night matchup against the undefeated Patriots. If that is the case, Brandon Shell, who currently serves as the team's right tackle, might have to shift over to the left side. 

Tight end Chris Herndon has rejoined the Jets after serving his four-game suspension to begin the season. In order to make room for Herndon, the Jets have waived linebacker Frankie Luvu.

The Jets are getting back a big member of their receiving core from last season, as Herndon was second on the team in receptions with 39. The 2018 fourth-round pick also finished his rookie season with 502 yards and four touchdowns.

Despite being reinstated to the active roster, Herndon may not suit up for the Jets just yet, having injured his hamstring prior to Week 5, but he hopes to practice this week. SNY's Ralph Vacchiano reported on Sunday that the Jets are expecting him to miss two games.

Ralph Vacchiano | Facebook | Twitter | Archive

Sam Darnold is back. And so is the Jets' offense.

In case anyone needed proof that the problem the last three weeks had been poor quarterback play, the 22-year-old Darnold showed how much a difference even a competent quarterback can make. And he was more than competent. He was outstanding. Playing for the first time since Week 1, he completed 23 of 32 passes for 338 yards with two touchdowns and an interception

It was enough to let the Jets hang on for their first win of the season -- 24-22 over the Dallas Cowboys.

Jets head coach Adam Gase shares the excitement that his players have for QB Sam Darnold finally returning after battling mononucleosis. Of course, Darnold is also excited to get back on the field. 

The excitement won't last long, though, if the Jets can get something going on offense. Since Darnold's been gone, the Jets have barely been able to move the ball. 

So, while spirits are high at One Jets Drive, this group knows there's a lot of work to be done to finally chalk up that first win. 

The Jets were expecting to get another weapon back to their offense this week, but their luck continues to go sideways. 

Tight end Chris Herndon, who has been suspended the past four games due to violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy, suffered a hamstring injury, head coach Adam Gase revealed on Wednesday. His injury occurred while running routes in preparation for his return this week. 

Gase was blunt when asked about his reaction to Herndon's injury. 

The Jets will see the return of two players this week, thanks to the completion of their suspensions. Tight end Chris Herndon and linebacker Brandon Copeland are available.

But New York head coach Adam Gase didn't commit to anything more than them practicing. 

Gase said on Monday he wants to evaluate the duo during their first practices this week as the Jets prep for the Dallas Cowboys before anything. 

Ralph Vacchiano | Facebook | Twitter | Archive

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. - Jets head coach Adam Gase spent months building his offense around the receivers he had, insisting the group was better, more diverse than most people thought. Quincy Enunwa, as his tough, sure-handed possession receiver, was a big part of that equation.

So what is Gase going to do now?

The short answer in the NFL is always "next man up," but it's never that simple when a key player is lost during the season. And it could be particularly difficult for Gase to replace Enunwa, who is now lost for the season with another neck injury, because there's no one on the Jets roster who can really do what the 6-foot-2, 225-pounder could.

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The Jets reportedly completed a trade on Wednesday afternoon, bringing veteran wide receiver Demaryius Thomas aboard to boost the available weapons at quarterback Sam Darnold's disposal.

Perhaps the most surprising aspect of this trade is the fact that the Jets would deal with their divisional rivals in New England. It seems implausible that the Patriots would be willing to give the Jets a player that they think can help them, especially only for a late-round pick that they won't receive until 2021.

Nevertheless, Adam Gase will have been keen to target Thomas, who was his best receiver when he made a name for himself as the Broncos' defensive coordinator. In Gase's first year in that role, Thomas caught a career-high 14 touchdown passes and then posted career highs for catches (111) and receiving yards (1,619) in their second year together.

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Since Sunday's game, there's been a lot of attention centered around the team's kicking woes. Kaare Vedvik, who the Jets picked up to stop the bleeding in that department, missed both his attempts -- a 45-yard field goal and an extra point. 

On Tuesday, though, the Jets brought in their fourth kicker of the year in Sam Ficken after hosting multiple players at the team facility. So with that (hopefully) settled, here are some other issues the Jets will need to focus on:

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All NFL teams are required to cut their rosters from 90 players to 53 by 4 p.m. on Saturday.

That means the Jets, who had 90 players on their roster, must make 37 moves.

Below is our running list of their cuts and other transactions, based off information from sources, players, agents and other published reports:

Thursday's preseason opener may have just been an appetizer for what's to come this season, but it was certainly a strong start for Adam Gase's Gang Green offense. 

Starting at their own 25-yard line, Sam Darnold and company methodically drove down the field, going 75 yards in seven plays, capped off by a three-yard touchdown pass from Darnold to Jamison Crowder.

Darnold went 4-5 on the drive for 68 yards and a touchdown. Two of his passes went for 25+ yards, including a 32-yard pickup to Chris Herndon on third down, extending the drive and showcasing Darnold's mobility to step up in the pocket.

Ralph Vacchiano | Facebook | Twitter | Archive

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - Daniel Jones entered his first NFL game on Thursday night to a smattering of cheers - a welcomed change from the reception he's gotten since the Giants announced him as the sixth overall pick in the NFL Draft.

And after the way he played in his debut, he might not have to worry about being booed anymore.

The Jets will be without tight end Chris Herndon for the first four games of the 2019 season after a suspension handed down to him by the NFL for a DWI arrest in June 2018. 

On Thursday, Herndon expressed disappointment in himself on Thursday at Jets training camp. 

"It definitely sucks," Herndon said. "I've just got to deal with it. It was a mistake I made and I have to deal with the consequences." 

On the day that veterans reported for Jets training camp, the team announced that both CB Brian Poole and OL Toa Lobendahn have been placed on the Active/Non-Football Injury List.

The Jets have not yet announced the exact nature of the injuries, though the injuries had to have occurred away from the football field for this designation to be used.

Both players will continue to count against the Jets' 90-man roster and both can be removed from the NFI List once they are medically cleared.

The Jets plan to sign former Houston Texans tight end Ryan Griffin, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.

As Garafolo notes, Griffin has a chance to come into Jets camp and make an immediate impact on the team, with Chris Herndon set to miss the first four games of the season serving a suspension for a DUI in January 2018.

Griffin will join a tight end corps that is in severe need of a pass-catcher, as outside of Herndon, there isn't a ton of NFL experience at the position.

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Last week, the Jets announced that tight end Chris Herndon would be suspended for the first four games of the 2019 regular season. This will obviously be a blow for the team, as they look to establish their new-look offense under Adam Gase. Herndon caught 39 passes last year to lead all rookie tight ends, including 32 over the last 10 games.

However, if the Jets intend to make a move to improve their tight end depth and give themselves further cover at the position, the options are somewhat unappealing.

Last month, even before the Herndon suspension was announced, Bucky Brooks wrote on NFL.com that the Jets should consider trading for veteran Jimmy Graham. However, adding a veteran who is past his prime and still on a high salary would be an overreaction at this point, especially if they had to give up anything of value to acquire him from the Packers.

Jets tight end Chris Herndon has been suspended without pay for the first four games of the 2019 season for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy, the team announced on Friday. 

Herndon, 23, pleaded guilty to a DUI that occurred in June 2018 back in January. 

He received a 90-day driver's license suspension and was fined $639 in municipal court while the NFL continued to investigate. A first-time offender is typically given a two-game suspension, per the league's alcohol policy, but the commissioner can impose additional discipline for aggravating circumstances. 

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The Jets' offseason has been a wild roller-coaster ride. It started at the bottom when they fired their head coach, peaked during free agency and the draft, then went on a wild spiral downward when they fired their general manager … and then somehow managed to come out of it OK.

In fact, not only do they seem OK now that GM Joe Douglas and his good buddy, head coach Adam Gase, are in charge; they are convinced they are on an uphill climb again. They are loaded with optimism. They feel like they are finally headed in the right direction. They believe a return to the playoffs is near.

Maybe they're right. Or maybe they're fooling themselves. For now, though, there has been an unusual amount of hope and excitement around the Jets as they wrapped up their spring organized team activities and mini-camps. Time will tell if that's warranted or not.

Jets camp is in full swing, and there's a buzz in the Florham Park air. There's a new head coach, a new GM, and lots of fresh faces on the field.

Which players have the potential to be unheralded X-factors for the Jets this year? Here's five guys who have stood out so far.

Jonotthan Harrison (C)

Harrison is a familiar face after starting nine games over the last two years, but there was some thought that the Jets may pursue an upgrade at center this offseason. Instead, they stuck with Harrison, and the results are paying off.

It wasn't long before new GM Joe Douglas made his first move for the Jets, as TE Neal Sterling was released on Tuesday. 

Sterling re-signed with the Jets this offseason on a veteran minimum contract, but he has been injured this offseason which has kept him out of team practices.

With Chris Herndon having a solid rookie season in 2018, and Trevon Wesco drafted in the fourth round back in April, the Jets had the depth to let him go. Jordan Leggett is also on the Jets' depth chart...

The Jets' offense is going to be a totally different animal this season. Not only is new head coach Adam Gase bringing in his new schemes, but there are some new offensive weapons for Sam Darnold to work with as well. 

Le'Veon Bell is the obvious big addition, while Jamison Crowder is expected to make an immediate impact out of the slot. Quincy Enunwa and Robby Anderson will also be back looking to make big impacts after their solid seasons in 2018. 

But there is one more weapon that stays under the radar thanks to these other names. Tight end Chris Herndon, the Jets' fourth-round draft pick last season, quietly had an intriguing rookie campaign. 

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Mike Maccagnan only had six picks in this NFL Draft, and couldn't come up with more despite his best efforts. So he had to take some risks to fill the holes on his rebuilding team.

And the Jets need those risks to very quickly pay off.

Those risks, and the fact that Maccagnan couldn't accomplish his goal of adding picks - especially in the second round -- are why the Jets' overall draft grade is only C-plus, despite the A-plus pick of Alabama defensive tackle Quinnen Williams in the first round. Maccagnan actually wanted to trade down from the third overall pick, but it was hard to fault him for staying put and taking a player some scouts thought was the best defensive player in the draft.

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In the first three rounds of the NFL Draft, the Jets found an anchor for the middle of their defense (Quinnen Williams), a possible edge-rushing monster (Jachai Polite) and a future starting tackle (Chuma Edoga).

That's a nice start. But the Jets still have holes to fill. And they only have two more picks to go.

When Day 3 of the NFL Draft begins this afternoon, the Jets will only be holding a fourth-round pick (105th overall) and a sixth-rounder (196). That's not a lot for a rebuilding team that still needs help at center, cornerback, receiver, tight end, backup running back, and depth at any number of other spots.

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There's just a little more than a week to go and still some mystery - even at the top of the NFL Draft where the smart money is still on Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray and Ohio State defensive end Nick Bosa going 1-2 to the Cardinals and the 49ers.

If that doesn't happen, it could have a huge impact on the Jets - especially if Murray falls and teams that love him want to trade up.

For now, though, let's assume Murray-Bosa will go 1-2 as expected. If that happens, here's a look at how the Jets' six picks could go:

First round (3rd overall) - DE/LB Josh Allen, Kentucky

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There is less than a month to go until the Jets can use their six picks in the upcoming NFL draft. Here's a look at how those picks might go:

First round (3rd overall) - DE/LB Josh Allen, Kentucky

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The Jets have only six picks in the upcoming NFL Draft, and with so many holes on their roster, they'll need to use them wisely. It's still early, but here's a look at how those six picks could go:

First Round (No. 3 overall): DT Quinnen Williams, Alabama

Adam Gase addressed the media for the first time on Wednesday at the NFL Scouting Combine since he was introduced as the Jets' new head coach in January.

Gase has now had some time to evaluate the players he is inheriting and was able to expand on his feelings on how he will utilize them and the potential he sees. 

Here are the takeaways from his latest press conference: