Dan Salomone

It's the final countdown.

We are a little more than a week away from the 2026 NFL Draft, which is set to begin April 23 in Pittsburgh.

The Giants, who have been busy with aseries of signings and re-signingsin free agency, will operate with seven total picks. Their draft capital includes the No. 5 overall choice and three selections in the sixth round.

2026 New York Giants Draft Picks

• Round 1 No. 5
• Round 2 No. 37
• Round 4 No. 105
• Round 5 No. 145
• Round 6 No. 186
• Round 6 No. 192 (from MIA)
• Round 6 No. 193 (from DAL)

Below is a look at the latest projections for what the Giants could do with the No. 5 overall draft pick.

Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Media

Pick:Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

Analysis:"Styles would be a monster playing behind the Giants' dynamic front line."

Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN

Pick:Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Analysis:"He's a complete football player, and New York should have no hesitation in taking him here (highest draft slot for a safety since Eric Berry in 2010)."

Peter Schrager, ESPN

Pick:Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

Analysis:"New coach John Harbaugh referred to the offensive line as a "work in progress" at the league meetings. That's not what you want in front of a franchise quarterback who has shown a tendency to use his legs. But Jaxson Dart would love Mauigoa, a road paver with positional versatility. Mauigoa is expected to be the first offensive lineman off the board."

Dane Brugler, The Athletic

Pick:Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

Analysis:"For much of the season and pre-draft process, I felt like I had to convince doubters of why Styles deserved to be a top-10 pick. After his workout in Indianapolis, the skeptics have disappeared. But it wasn't just what Styles did on the field, which prompted a standing ovation when he walked into one team's interview room. His interviews with NFL teams were 'phenomenal,' according to a team source."

Eric Edholm, NFL.com

Pick:Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

Analysis:"I went back and forth between Ohio State teammates Styles and Caleb Downs here, as both make sense to me. Styles is the more physically gifted of the two and could be a Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate at Will linebacker."

Bucky Brooks, NFL.com

Pick: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

Analysis:"Pairing Styles with free-agent signing Tremaine Edmunds behind a salty front that features Dexter Lawrence, Brian Burns, Abdul Carter and Kayvon Thibodeaux would give the Giants a rock-solid foundation for a potential top-five defense."

Lance Zierlein, NFL.com

Pick:Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

Analysis:"The Giants, who have just two top-100 selections, pair Tate with Malik Nabers to give Jaxson Dart a formidable duo to grow with in the passing game."

Matt Miller, ESPN

Pick:Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Analysis:"Having coached Ed Reed and Kyle Hamilton in Baltimore, Harbaugh knows the value of a versatile, smart safety prospect. That describes Downs, who started immediately at Alabama as a freshman and for two seasons at Ohio State."

Field Yates, ESPN

Pick:Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Analysis:"Downs has been a dominant force longer than any other defender in this class. The former Alabama and Ohio State All-American is a shapeshifter, deploying down in the box against the run or patrolling the back end with excellent coverage range."

Pete Prisco, CBS Sports

Pick:Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

Analysis:"He is the type of player John Harbaugh loves in the middle of his defense. He has the speed to chase down plays behind a good defensive line. It fits."

Charles Davis, NFL Media

Pick:Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

Analysis:"What helps young quarterbacks? Explosive players making explosive plays. You're welcome, Jaxson Dart."

Nate Davis and Ayrton Ostly, USA TODAY

Pick:Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Analysis:"Is Downs the best defender in this draft? Arguably. Can he play exceptionally in the slot, box or center field a skill set Kyle Hamilton provided new coach John Harbaugh in Baltimore? Yep. Yet Downs' ability to anticipate and read the field could really render him a professional game changer at a position that normally isn't drafted this highly."

Jaime Eisner, The Draft Network

Pick:Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Analysis:"Positional value be damned, Caleb Downs would be a perfect fit for the New York Giants here. Downs is an incredibly instinctive player who can thrive anywhere on the field. Downs also brings the kind of leadership and football IQ that should earn him a captain's role sooner rather than later, making him a foundational piece for this Giants defense. New head coach John Harbaugh saw firsthand the impact a hybrid defensive back like Kyle Hamilton had on his defense in Baltimore, and Downs has the potential to provide that same type of influence in New York."

Jordan Reid, ESPN

Pick:Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

Analysis:"The last time an off-ball linebacker was picked in the top five was 2019, when the Buccaneers took Devin White. So while it's rare, Styles' skill set pairs really well with the defense coach John Harbaugh will likely bring to the Giants. Styles dazzled at the combine and can be the boisterous presence that Harbaugh's Ravens teams often had at middle linebacker. The 6-foot-5, 243-pound defender is a converted safety who has the intangibles and potential to wear the green dot right away as a rookie."

Nick Shook, NFL.com

Pick:Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

Analysis:"The Giants already added free agent Tremaine Edmunds as an immediate solution for the middle of their second level, but Styles' talent and freakish athletic profile are simply too strong to pass up in favor of addressing a need elsewhere on the roster."

Bruce Feldman, The Athletic

Pick:Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

Analysis:"The Giants have loaded up on some Freaks List honorees in recent years and Styles is about as freaky as they come. The fit here makes a lot of sense with the Giants' talent up front and Styles' ability to roam the field as a former safety. At 6-5, 244 pounds, with almost 33-inch arms, he ran a 4.46 40 in Indianapolis and his jump numbers were even more impressive 11-2 in the broad jump and 43 1/2 in the vertical. He started 41 games for the Buckeyes and was a co-captain. He also received the program's Block "O" award, honoring his toughness, accountability and character. He made 82 tackles and 6.5 TFLs on a star-studded defense in 2025."

Rhett Lewis, NFL Network

Pick:Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

Analysis:"Ohio State lost the Big Ten Championship Game to Indiana, but Styles was the best defensive player on the field. Seemed like he made every tackle. Throw in his wildly impressive combine performance and it's clear that Styles isn't any ordinary off-ball linebacker -- he's a defensive cornerstone with impact play production."

Max Chadwick, Pro Football Focus

Pick:Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

Analysis:"Developing and protecting quarterback Jaxson Dart should be a top priority for new head coach John Harbaugh. Fano produced a position-best 92.0 PFF overall grade over the past two seasons and would slot in seamlessly as the Giants' right tackle opposite of Andrew Thomas."

Mike Band, Next Gen Stats

Pick:Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

Analysis:"Styles gives the Giants a franchise-defining playmaker whose size, range and physicality fit the mold Harbaugh has long valued in the middle of his defense, while still aligning with GM Joe Schoen's history of betting on elite athletes with elite production."

Mason Johnstone, The Draft Network

Pick:Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Analysis:"The Giants have been stacking defensive talent the past two offseasons, and there's no better cherry on top than selecting the top defender in the class, Caleb Downs."

Garrett Podell, CBS Sports

Pick:Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

Analysis:"The Giants added another solid pass-catching option with the signing of Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely, but they still need another legit wide receiver opposite Malik Nabers. Carnell Tate is the safest wide receiver in the draft based on measurements and traits. He produced a nation-leading six receiving touchdowns of 30 or more air yards in 2025. He'll help further quarterback Jaxson Dart's growth in 2026."

Nick Baumgardner, The Athletic

Pick:Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

Analysis:"Throughout John Harbaugh's run with Lamar Jackson, the head coach generally made sure his quarterback's best friend was a powerful and dynamic run game. Love is my top-ranked player in this class a true three-down weapon and an offensive coordinator's dream. I believe he's a better prospect than Ashton Jeanty was a year ago and belongs in the Bijan Robinson-Jahmyr Gibbs tier."

Trevor Sikkema, Pro Football Focus

Pick:Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

Analysis:"Tate had an opportunity to grab the WR1 title by the horns since both Jordyn Tyson and Makai Lemon did not do any athletic testing at the combine, but he came up short with a 4.53-second 40-yard dash. That doesn't hurt his stock, in my opinion, but it keeps him in the conversation with the other three. Still, his range likely starts here at No. 5 to give Jaxson Dart two legitimate deep-threat receivers in 2026."

Cynthia Frelund, NFL Network

Pick:Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

Analysis:"McCoy tore his ACL in January 2025 (he missed all of last season), so we'll have to see how his medical evaluations turn out during the draft process (including at the NFL Scouting Combine). But my model loves his potential and upside: He has the highest rating for a true press corner in this year's class. Also, at just 20 years old, he's two years younger than my No. 2 rated corner, Mansoor Delane."

Mike Renner, CBS Sports

Pick:Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

Analysis:"Styles could be the cherry on top of a budding front seven. He's one of the best off-ball linebacker athletes to come out in recent years, boasting a massive frame and cornerback-like movement skills."

Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports

Pick:Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio State

Analysis:"I've said this before, but if the draft were the week after the Super Bowl, we wouldn't have months to create narratives that run counter to what our collective eyeballs told us in the fall. For Reese, it's pretty simple: he's a rare athlete who was one of the best defenders in the country in 2025. That his pro-day bag-drill workout didn't meet expectations shouldn't really carry much weight. He's a freak who is the "positionless player" prototype."

Josh Edwards, CBS Sports

Pick:Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

Analysis:"Jermod McCoy is not a prospect I have associated with New York during this process, but every year there are a few picks that make you think, "Why didn't I think of that?" I refer to mock drafts as thought exercises because the goal is to be most accurate with the final version. McCoy has the potential to be in a tier of cornerbacks that includes Derek Stingley Jr. and Patrick Surtain II. Stingley did not play his final season of college football, either. Why not Mansoor Delane? Delane is more of a zone-heavy corner, and the Ravens have played the fifth-lowest rate of zone coverage over the past decade. The other consideration was Ohio State receiver Carnell Tate."

Connor Rogers, NBC Sports

Pick:Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

Analysis:"Whether it be at right tackle (where he's started the last three seasons) or guard, Mauigoa puts more help in front of Jaxson Dart. His play strength and anchor stood out in 2025, where his improvement in pass protection was notable. Wide receiver could be in play here for the Giants, but if they bring back Wan'Dale Robinson they can address that position later in the draft."

Blake Brockermeyer, CBS Sports

Pick:Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

Analysis:"Spencer Fano plays with good technique and excellent feet, and I believe he can handle either tackle spot. He didn't allow a sack this season and gave up only six hurries. His best days are still ahead, but I like his power at the point, his ability to move people in the run game and the athleticism to pull and clear defenders at the second level."

Danny Kelly, The Ringer

Pick:Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

Analysis:"The Giants could go in any number of directions at this spot, but it'd be tough to argue with a decision to bolster the trenches. Mauigoa can drop in as the bookend for left tackle Andrew Thomas, giving New York a tough and physical blocker who can upgrade the run game while protecting Jaxson Dart."

Justin Melo, The Draft Network

Pick:Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami

Analysis:"John Harbaugh and the Giants are tasked with investing in Jaxson Dart's development this offseason."

Keith Sanchez, The Draft Network

Pick:Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

Analysis:"The New York Giants drafted Jaxson Dart in the first round last year, and as a rookie, he showed some promise that should have the front office optimistic about what he could develop into. But if they want Dart to take the same steps that Caleb Williams and Drake Maye took in their sophomore years, they are going to need to upgrade the receiver room and give him another weapon, especially with Malik Nabers recovering from an ACL injury. So in this spot, the Giants decide to go with Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson."

Chad Reuter, NFL.com

Pick:Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

Analysis:"The thing about the Harbaughs is they want to run the ball. Last year, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh selected Omarion Hampton in Round 1, and who's to say John Harbaugh won't take the most talented ball-carrier this April? Jaxson Dart led the Giants with nine rushing TDs last season, but that can't happen again if the team wants to make a playoff push. Love's rushing and receiving abilities take the offense to the next level."

Gordon McGuinness, Pro Football Focus

Pick:Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

Analysis:"The Giants' free-agency signing of linebacker Tremaine Edmunds doesn't dampen their chances of targeting Styles, in my opinion. He missed just 2.2% of his tackle attempts and earned 85.0-plus PFF grades in coverage and run defense this past season, ranking second among nearly 200 qualifying draft-eligible linebackers."

Gennaro Filice, NFL.com

Pick:Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

Analysis:"Jaxson Dart needs to protect himself from unnecessary carnage, but the Giants must do everything in their power to maintain a clean pocket."

Dalton Wasserman, Pro Football Focus

Pick:Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

Analysis:"Mauigoa would be an immediate starter on the right side after recording an excellent 87.0 PFF pass-blocking grade in 2025."

Luke Easterling, Athlon Sports

Pick:Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

Analysis:"It's so hard to find off-ball linebackers who can do the things he can."

Nate Tice and Charles McDonald, Yahoo Sports

Pick:Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

Analysis:"John Harbaugh loves to have a team that can run the ball and being able to pair Love in the backfield with Cam Skattebo and Jaxson Dart would accomplish that. Skattebo is coming off a major injury to his leg from last season, giving the Giants a reasonable opportunity to add Love to the roster without overloading at the position. If Malik Nabers can pick up where he left off and get back to his rookie-level production, the Giants would have a talented group of young playmakers to try and be competitive with."

Vinnie Iyer, The Sporting News

Pick:Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Analysis:"Downs may have dropped a little after choosing not to work out at the Combine in relation to his former Buckeyes back seven teammates Reese and Sonny Styles going off on the field. The Giants still should be eyeing him in the top five to give them a dynamic complement to Jevon Holland."

Jordan Plocher, Pro Football Focus

Pick:Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

Analysis:"Giving quarterback Jaxson Dart more time in the pocket, leading to fewer scrambles, will help keep him healthy and aid in his development. The 6-foot-5 and 329-pound Mauigoa is a heavy presence up front who will clear holes in the running game and help protect Dart. Mauigoa allowed only two sacks, four quarterback hits and nine hurries on his 557 pass-blocking snaps in 2025. He could be a nice addition to Dart's array of personal protectors, and he's open to playing guard or tackle."

Mike Band, Next Gen Stats

Pick:Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

Analysis:"Styles gives the Giants a franchise-defining playmaker whose size, range and physicality fit the mold Harbaugh has long valued in the middle of his defense, while still aligning with GM Joe Schoen's history of betting on elite athletes with elite production."

Daire Carragher, Pro Football Focus

Pick:Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Analysis:"Choosing between Caleb Downs and Sonny Styles is a difficult decision for the Giants at this spot, as both offer high-end impact in different ways. Previously in these kinds of situations, the Giants have typically sided with the more athletic prospect, which is clearly Styles, but it's a new era with John Harbaugh in town. Harbaugh will admire Downs' football intelligence and the natural leadership he exuded during his final college football season."

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