2026 NFL Mock Draft: New York Giants ready to party after trade changes top 10
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Buckle up.
The 2026 NFL Draft is lower than per week away and we have already seen our first large twist, because the Cincinnati Bengals sent the No. 10 pick to the New York Giants for 28-year-old All-Pro defensive deal with Dexter Lawrence. It’s a transfer that changes a lot for each franchises, with potential quick impression.
After some wobbly drafting in the course of the Joe Burrow period, the Bengals have lastly decided to push their future chips into the middle in an try to maximize their famous person quarterback’s window. Whether or not Lawrence will likely be sufficient to make that occur just isn’t a query we are able to reply at present.
It’s additionally a query the Giants do not care about, as New York is now in place to make an enormous splash forward of John Harbaugh’s first season with the franchise. With all that mentioned, let’s run via a fast top 10 mini-mock with the adjusted, post-trade draft order.
1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando MendozaQB, Indiana
This continues to appear to be a secure guess, because the Raiders seem ready to make the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner their quarterback of the future. The choice to usher in Kirk Cousins as each a veteran competitor and a seasoned mentor was one of many smartest pre-draft choices I’ve seen.
Cousins will assist push Mendoza early and have the option (and, as historical past exhibits, prepared) to present invaluable recommendation and perception to the rookie as his first yr progresses. The Raiders have a great distance to go, however this might be a terrific first step.
(*10*)2. New York Jets: Arvell Reeseedge, Ohio State
There’s some debate over whether or not or not the Jets favor David Bailey over Reese right here, which is truthful. Bailey is the most effective cross rusher proper now. But Reese, for me, is the closest factor we have seen to Micah Parsons since Micah Parsons.
His potential as a positionless front-seven chaos creator feels very actual. And whereas Bailey is a extra polished cross rusher at present, I’m undecided we’ll have the option to say that without end, as Reese has simply scratched the floor.
3. Arizona Cardinals: David Baileyedge, Texas Tech
The finest cross rusher within the draft, Bailey is a tick behind Reese for me on first and second down. On third down, nevertheless, Bailey’s higher proper now — which is why this may very well be a tricky name for the Jets.
Either means, the Cardinals are in line to snag a cross rusher who ought to be ready to present outcomes straight away. Bailey approached final season at Texas Tech like a professional and received skilled outcomes. I’d count on one thing comparable in 2026.
4. Tennessee Titans: Sonny StylesLB, Ohio State
If the Titans are going best-player-available, that is the transfer. Furthermore, it is also a terrific addition for brand new coach Robert Saleh, who by no means had a expertise like Styles in the course of his Jets’ defenses. Is this excessive for an inside linebacker? Yes. Styles is not an unusual inside linebacker, although, and it is unimaginable to ignore that.
5. New York Giants: Jeremiah LoveRB, Notre Dame
To be frank: The Giants hit the jackpot with this trade. New York was already in a terrific place to add expertise to an already intriguing younger roster earlier than Harbaugh’s first season. Now, the Giants can add two premium abilities to a hungry group. Love’s presence as a true three-down weapon with legit receiving potential is ideal for Harbaugh-ball.
And if New York is hell-bent on touchdown Styles, it now has the capital to ensure that occurs. This ought to be an thrilling draft for Giants followers.
6. Cleveland Browns: Spencer FanoOT, Utah
Fano has been my OT1 since October. Francis Mauigoa’s return journey to Indianapolis for a medical recheck on his again solely solidifies this for me. I feel Fano is proficient sufficient to play both deal with spot within the NFL and possibly both guard spot, too, if want be. A particular athlete.
7. Washington Commanders: Mansoor DelaneC.B., L.S.U.
Jermod McCoy’s bodily potential is certainly tantalizing. But Delane, for me, is the most secure cornerback and essentially the most assured man-coverage defender within the draft. A managed ball hawk who may be very tough to idiot or stack, what you see is what you get right here — and he may very well be among the many NFL’s top shelf at CB in brief order.
(*10*)8. New Orleans Saints: Carnell TateWR, Ohio State
When it comes to Ohio State vast receivers, folks shouldn’t overcomplicate issues. Tate’s 40 time was middling, however in case you’ve actually studied his tape you already knew that — and you do not actually care. Like present Saints WR and fellow former Buckeye Chris Olave, Tate is a well-schooled, full receiver prospect who will make an impression as a rookie.
9. Kansas City Chiefs: Rueben Bain Jr.edge, Miami
Another man I just about refuse to overcomplicate on this class is Bain. The size issues are actual, however solely to a degree. I favor Reese and Bailey as line of defense prospects over Bain, however the checklist stops there. His play energy, violence and quickness off the snap render his arm with out ineffective — greater than many notice. If you need to play him inside, he’ll dominate folks there, too.
10. New York Giants (from CIN): Caleb DownsDB, Ohio State
We’ve been operating via 2025 mocks for 4 months now and the 2 gamers I’ve been torn about slotting to New York at No. 5 have been Love and Downs. Two of my favourite X-factors on this draft, two gamers who can enter an NFL locker room and make an impression on Day 1. Thanks to the Bengals, the Giants now get each.