Dan Salomone

It's time to update those mock drafts. The Giants have another pick to predict.

Just days before the 2026 NFL Draft was set to begin on Thursday night in Pittsburgh, the Giants shook up the draft order by trading defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence to the Bengals in exchangefor their No. 10 overall selection. The Giants now have two picks in the top 10, including the original No. 5 choice,among eight total selections.

2026 New York Giants Draft Picks

• Round 1 No. 5
• Round 1 No. 10 (from CIN)
• 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 in Round 1. Giants.com will continue to update the tracker with post-trade mock drafts as they are released

Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN

Pick for No. 5:Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Analysis:"If things fall this way, the Giants will have a tough call to make on three Ohio State prospects. I could see Carnell Tate as the team's No. 2 receiver opposite Malik Nabers. I could certainly see Sonny Styles quarterbacking the defense from the middle linebacker spot. But I keep coming back to what Downs could do from the back end of this secondary. Next to Jevon Holland, his incredible instincts would pop in this defense. Downs would be the first safety taken in the top five since Eric Berry went to the Chiefs in 2010, and he'd be worth it."

Pick for No. 10:Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

Analysis:"Well, that shook things up. The Giants traded defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II to the Bengals on Saturday night, giving New York another pick in the top 10. And after going defense at No. 5, the Giants would be happy to see the class' top offensive tackle still on the board here. They brought back Jermaine Eluemunor, but adding Mauigoa would take this unit to the next level. Plus, they could even kick Mauigoa inside, where I think he has a Pro Bowl ceiling. Mauigoa has started 42 games in college, he's a sound pass protector, and he'd open some rushing lanes for Cam Skattebo and Tyrone Tracy Jr."

**Jordan Reid, ESPN**

Pick for No. 5:Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

Analysis:"John Harbaugh teams have historically had a commanding presence at middle linebacker. There hasn't been an off-ball linebacker drafted in the top five since 2019 (Devin White), but Styles is a rare linebacker prospect in a draft class that lacks true high-end options at high-leverage positions. Styles' size, instincts, movement ability and continued development make him an ideal fit in the middle of the Giants' defense."

Pick for No. 10:Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Analysis:"The Giants added another top-10 pick over the weekend in the Dexter Lawrence II trade, and they can use it to keep addressing the defense. It has been nearly a decade since a safety was picked in the top 10 (Jamal Adams, 2017), but Downs is fully worthy of breaking that streak. He is one of the smartest football players I've ever studied, and he has the versatility and sure tackling skills to complement that intelligence. He trusts his coverage instincts, allowing him to routinely make plays against the pass and in run support. Downs would be a perfect addition to John Harbaugh's defense."

Mike Renner, CBS Sports

Pick for No. 5:Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

Analysis:"Francis Mauigoa is a three-year starter at right tackle who has developed under one of the country's top offensive line coaches in Alex Mirabal. He has remained injury-free and logged more than 2,500 snaps at Miami. Mauigoa plays with high-end power at the point of attack in the run game, showing strong leverage and technique while excelling as a puller who reaches the second level. He's technically sound in pass protection, with good instincts and footwork, plus the ability to mirror and anchor against power."

Pick for No. 10:Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

Analysis: "Joe Schoen was one of two GMs at Tyson's individual pro day on Friday, and what he saw was good enough for him to trade Dexter Lawrence for the 10th overall pick."

Nick Baumgardner, The Athletic

Pick for No. 5:Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

Analysis:"To be frank: The Giants hit the jackpot with this trade. New York was already in a great position to add talent to an already intriguing young roster before Harbaugh's first season. Now, the Giants can add two premium talents to a hungry group. Love's presence as a true three-down weapon with legit receiving ability is perfect for Harbaugh-ball. And if New York is hell-bent on landing Styles, it now has the capital to make sure that happens. This should be an exciting draft for Giants fans."

Pick for No. 10:Caleb Downs, DB, Ohio State

Analysis:"We've been running through 2025 mocks for four months now and the two players I've been torn about slotting to New York at No. 5 were Love and Downs. Two of my favorite X-factors in this draft, two players who can enter an NFL locker room and make an impact on Day 1. Thanks to the Bengals, the Giants now get both."

Keith Sanchez, The Draft Network

Pick for No. 5:Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Analysis: "The Giants have invested heavily in the front seven of this defense and still have a lingering contract dispute with Dexter Lawrence. But their secondary needs some help to help elevate the results of this entire defense. With the No. 5 pick, the Giants go with Ohio State safety Caleb Downs. Downs is a three-level impact player that should remind fans of a Xavier McKinney-style player who is aggressive, fast, and physical at the defensive back position."

Pick for No. 10:Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

Analysis:"The Giants now have two first-round picks inside the Top 10. This allows them to address another critical part of their team, and that's the OL. In this spot, the Giants draft Miami OT Francis Mauigoa. Mauigoa can play OT or OG for the Giants and help solidify a group that has had its ups and downs."

Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Media

Pick for No. 5:Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

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

Peter Schrager, ESPN

Pick for No. 5: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 for No. 5:Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Analysis:"Over John Harbaugh's 18 years as head coach in Baltimore, the Ravens drafted nine positions in Round 1, including safety (three times). Though using a top-five pick for that position is uncommon, Downs has rare football intelligence and (despite not testing in any drills) is above the line in terms of on-field athleticism."

Eric Edholm, NFL.com

Pick for No. 5: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 for No. 5: 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 for No. 5: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 for No. 5: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 for No. 5: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."

Todd McShay, The McShay Report

Pick for No. 5:Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami

Analysis:"I went back and forth between Mauigoa and LB Sonny Styles. John Harbaugh has a rich history of elite linebackers anchoring his defenses dating back to the Ray Lewis days, but with a young quarterback in Jaxson Dart, improving the offensive line has to be the priority."

Pete Prisco, CBS Sports

Pick for No. 5: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 for No. 5: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 for No. 5: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 for No. 5: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."

Nick Shook, NFL.com

Pick for No. 5: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 for No. 5: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 for No. 5: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 for No. 5: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."

Danny Kelly, The Ringer

Pick for No. 5:Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

Analysis:"Mauioga is a big, battle-tested blocker with top-tier power and nimble feet. A three-year starter for the Hurricanes, he played his whole career at right tackleand could stay there in the prosbut brings intriguing upside as a potential guard convert, as well. Sporting a thick, burly frame with a powerful lower half, he punches with plenty of pop in pass protection, shocking defenders to neutralize their initial attack."

Mike Band, Next Gen Stats

Pick for No. 5: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 for No. 5: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 for No. 5: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."

Trevor Sikkema, Pro Football Focus

Pick for No. 5: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 for No. 5: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."

Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports

Pick for No. 5: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 for No. 5: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 for No. 5:Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

Analysis:"He would set the tone for the start of the John Harbaugh era in New York."

Blake Brockermeyer, CBS Sports

Pick for No. 5: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."

Justin Melo, The Draft Network

Pick for No. 5:Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami

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

Chad Reuter, NFL.com

Pick for No. 5:Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami

Analysis:"This pick reminds me of Washington's selection of Brandon Scherff at this same spot in 2015. Scherff played tackle at Iowa, but it was clear he possessed the strength and tenacity to be an excellent run blocker as well as provide sturdy pass protection. He ended up being a five-time Pro Bowler and one-time All-Pro at guard over 10 NFL seasons. Mauigoa presents similar aptitudes, so he could start at right guard for the Giants as a rookie and move back outside in the future if needed."

Gordon McGuinness, Pro Football Focus

Pick for No. 5: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 for No. 5:Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

Analysis:"John Harbaugh has openly expressed his belief that you have to take the best player available when you hold such a lofty draft pick."

Dalton Wasserman, Pro Football Focus

Pick for No. 5: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 for No. 5: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 for No. 5: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 for No. 5: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 for No. 5: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."

Daire Carragher, Pro Football Focus

Pick for No. 5: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."

2026 Giants Draft Night Block Party presented by Moody'sExperience the 2026 NFL Draft with fellow Giants fans as you watch the Giants firstround pick selection at theGiants Draft Night Block Party presented by Moody's, on Thursday, April 23.