Forget NFC East dreams for Giants. After collapse at Eagles, it’s time to think about No. 1 pick in 2021 NFL Draft | Opinion

Forget about the NFC East.

A division title is not happening for these Giants. Not at this rate, at least.

Wring your hands all you want about the mathematical possibilities for the final nine games. But the harsh reality remains: This young, rebuilding team still cannot close out wins.

And it’s painfully obvious, on both sides of the ball.

So do yourself a favor and starting dreaming about what the Giants might do with the No. 1 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft — or a pick somewhere in that neighborhood.

The Giants returned to their wilting ways Thursday night, when they lost at the Eagles, 22-21, as their defense melted at the end of a third straight game and second-year quarterback Daniel Jones added to his worrisome turnover total.

The Giants might’ve lost all three of these games, all in the division — Cowboys, Washington, Eagles — but Ron Rivera bailed them out with that overly gutsy two-point conversion attempt last week.

So instead of 0-7, the Giants are 1-6.

Yeah, the NFC East is bad in 2020. But not this bad, right? Surely not bad enough for the Giants to win it?

Probably not. The Giants now sit with 1-5 Washington at the bottom of the division, behind the 2-4 Cowboys and 2-4-1 Eagles.

Crunch all the numbers you want. An NFC East title feels next to impossible for these Giants.

They had every opportunity Thursday to remain in the mix. They led 21-10 until 4:42 remained in the game. But they allowed a 71-yard touchdown drive and surrendered the go-ahead score with 40 seconds left. And then Jones lost a fumble on the next drive, to seal the loss.

It was the 34th turnover (and 15th lost fumble) of his career, in his 19th start. He is now 4-15 as the Giants’ starter.

So what happens if the Giants somehow overtake the historically awful Jets and get next spring’s No. 1 pick? Will co-owner John Mara let his general manager (whomever it is) take Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence, to replace Jones?

That still feels unlikely — especially since the Jets are miserable enough to go 0-16 anyway.

The Giants began Thursday third in the draft order, behind the 0-6 Jets and 1-5 Washington, and ahead of four other 1-5 teams. Coming out of Thursday, the Giants are second.

But if the Giants do manage to get the top pick, and they don’t want Lawrence, they’d almost have to trade out of the spot. Their roster still has far too many holes. They need more picks.

They currently have just five for next year’s draft — because of GM Dave Gettleman’s poor decisions. That’s why they’re going to be sellers at the Nov. 3 trade deadline, as they should be. It’s time for Gettleman to start stockpiling for next year’s draft — even if his replacement might be making those picks.

Maybe a win Thursday could’ve deceived the Giants into not thinking ahead, as they chased NFC East dreams in 2020. Now, though, there’s no mistaking what this is — yet another rebuilding season for a team that hasn’t learned how to win.

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Darryl Slater may be reached at dslater@njadvancemedia.com. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here.

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