If you were making a list of the Top 10 players in New York football right now, it hardly would be surprising the Giants would dominate over the Jets.
Only two Jets appear on the list, neither named Muhammad Wilkerson nor Sheldon Richardson because of their subpar 2016 seasons, and the second on the list wound up in a 10th-place tie.
The Post solicited analysis from veteran Giants cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, who belongs on any list of the most insightful players in the NFL.
Here we go:
1. Odell Beckham Jr. (Giants, WR)
Can be The Best Player In Football if he keeps his emotions from boiling over. An unguardable Lethal Weapon. “He’s a trendsetter,” DRC said. “You got grown men want to have Odell haircuts. I haven’t seen that since the time I’ve been playing that somebody else wants to get a haircut. like I have friends that are my age [31] calling, ‘Hey man, ask Odell what he uses in his hair.’ ” And what makes him unique as a receiver? “His ability to really catch the ball, to get open, his antics, his dancing … he’s like the total package, and he gives you a little flavor with it.”
2. Landon Collins (Giants, S)
A difference-making intimidator who has made a mockery of the notion he is a box safety. “He wants to be the best, he wants to be that guy,” DRC said. “Any time you ask him who he patterned himself after, it’s always somebody great. He has the mindset of Sean Taylor. If you know anything about Sean Taylor, man, that’s just a gritty, hard-nosed football player. I think Landon wants that same respect around the league, man — ‘Not only can I hit, I can cover and I can general on the field.’ ”
3. Damon Harrison (Giants, DT)
Best run-stuffer in the game and a highly respected leader and voice of reason and wisdom. “He’s like a bully,” DRC said. “Not too many people want to mess with him. One thing about Snacks is he’ll tell you when he messes up, and he’ll address himself in front of the whole team and hold himself accountable, he’ll hold everybody accountable. He’s that guy that’s gonna come up to you. He’ll go up to Eli [Manning] and tell him, ‘Hey, we need you, you’re messing up right now,’ so I think he’s that voice that you need.”
4. Janoris Jenkins (Giants, CB)
A passer rating of 65.2 when targeted. Made Dez Bryant disappear. “You give Jackrabbit an assignment, Jackrabbit ain’t gonna complain, he ain’t gonna say nothing, he’s gonna shake his head and say, ‘I got you, Coach,’ ” DRC said. “I think he’s one of the best competitors I’ve ever been around, even in practice. He’s right there by the ball, he’s gonna knock it down, he ain’t gonna let you catch on him.”
5. Olivier Vernon (Giants, DE)
His 86 quarterback pressures were second in the league — and he played through a hand/wrist injury. “That’s a grown man,” DRC said. “Strength-wise, he’s putting that time in the weightroom. He’s the quietest person I’ve ever seen. I think since he’s been here, he said three words, he’s not gonna say much, but you know when he gets on that field, he’s gonna do a job, do his assignment and more. I think he’s like one of those silent workers, man. It ain’t no talking. It’s all play.”
6. Leonard Williams (Jets, DT)
An emerging Pro Bowl star who is long and strong and taking on a leadership role in his third season. Big Cat can be dominant.
7. Eli Manning (Giants, QB)
“He’s reliable and he’s accountable. If you can be accountable in this league, you’re gonna be around, but he’s doing it from a hard position at the quarterback. Getting the ball down the field well, so it don’t look like he lost too much of his arm strength,” DRC said.
8. Jason Pierre-Paul (Giants, DE)
“He’s basically like another OV man, but he’s more your athletic guy,” DRC said. “I think he’s a guy that you can put in multiple spots on that front line and just let him go.”
9. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (Giants, CB)
One of Pro Football Focus’ Best Cornerbacks Over 30, along with Aqib Talib. Six INTs and 10 pass breakups in 2016. Can also play safety if needed. “He’s like Eli Manning, man, he’s just a reliable guy,” DRC said. “My whole mindset is I’m gonna do something that they’re gonna remember me, man, so everytime I’m out there, I just give ’em something to remember.” Have you bulked up? “I’m 210 this year.” What were you last year? “204.” Why did you want to gain weight? “That nickel spot, you gotta be involved in the run a little bit more.”
10 (tie). James Carpenter (Jets, G)
“He’s a big guy that’s athletic,” DRC said. “He gets his hands on you. He’s got that dog mentality. Just from watching film this week, he’s somebody that we highlighted.”
10. Justin Pugh (Giants, G)
Smart and tough and versatile and the leader of the offensive line. Would be higher had he not missed five games in 2016 (knee). “He definitely could be up there,” DRC said.