Going into the 2026 NFL Draft, the New York Giants have two first round picks: numbers five and ten; the latter coming from the Cincinnati Bengals in the Dexter Lawrence trade. Who will John Harbaugh select with those two picks? That depends on who gets chosen before those picks.
Since it's generally assumed the Las Vegas Raiders will take Fernando Mendoza first overall, the real fun begins when the New York Jets are on the clock at number two. Will they take David Bailey or Arvell Reese? Will the Arizona Cardinals take Jeremiyah Love with the third pick, or will they trade back as some are predicting? Will the Tennessee Titans take the edge rusher the Jets didn't take, or will they take Sonny Styles, or maybe even Love if he falls to them?
A lot of variables, to be sure. Now you know why every team has multiple players on their board. Because you can never predict what other teams will do. What we know from last season is that the Giants number one need going into this draft is defense, and if Harbaugh has a chance to improve it, he will certainly do so. At the same time, we can't rule out that if someone like Love falls into his lap he won't take him. We also can't rule out the possibility that Harbaugh might trade back to acquire more draft capital. Given that the Giants don't have a third-rounder, that could be what he does with pick 10.
When I look objectively at this draft, three players stand out to me: Sonny Styles, Caleb Downs and, if he falls, Arvell Reese. All three played at Ohio State and all three could easily anchor this defense. But I can also envision taking a chance on Jordyn Tyson with the 10th pick. The Giants also need help on the offensive and defensive lines. See what I mean about a lot of variables?
I'm predicting two trades: the first is between the Giants and the Cowboys. Dallas sends the 20th pick to New York in exchange for Kayvon Thibodeaux. The second is between the Cardinals and the Dolphins. Arizona gets the 30th pick from Miami in exchange for a second round pick.
So, without further ado, here is my mock draft for the top 20 picks in the first round. I hope you enjoy reading it half as much as I enjoyed writing it.
1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana.
2. New York Jets: Arvell Reese, Edge, Ohio State.
3. Arizona Cardinals: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame.
4. Tennessee Titans: David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech.
5. New York Giants: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State.
6. Cleveland Browns: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State.
7. Washington Commanders: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State.
8. New Orleans Saints: Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami.
9. Kansas City Chiefs: Manor Delane, CB, LSU.
10. New York Giants (via trade with Cincinnati): Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State.
11. Miami Dolphins: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami.
12. Dallas Cowboys: Makai Lemon, WR, USC.
13. Los Angeles Rams: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah.
14. Baltimore Ravens: Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon.
16. New York Jets, Omar Cooper, WR, Indiana.
17. Detroit Lions: Kaydyn Proctor, OT, Alabama.
18. Minnesota Vikings: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon.
19. Carolina Panthers: Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn.
20. New York Giants (via trade with Dallas): Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State.
As with all my other predictions, please take them with a large grain of salt.
Have fun, people.
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