The New York Giants have emerged as the most pivotal team in the 2026 NFL Draft following a blockbuster trade that sent standout defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals. In exchange, Big Blue acquired the No. 10 overall selection, a move that has sent shockwaves through the league for several reasons.
The transaction is particularly surprising given Lawrence’s profile; the 28-year-old is coming off a statistically down season and is due for a significant salary increase. Furthermore, the move represents a departure from the Cincinnati Bengals’ typically cautious front-office philosophy, marking the first time in franchise history they have traded a top-10 pick for a veteran player. With this additional capital, the Giants now join an elite group of six teams with multiple first-rounders in 2026, though they are the only franchise currently holding two spots within the top 10. This positioning gives General Manager Joe Schoen immense flexibility to either move up for a blue-chip prospect or trade down to accumulate even more assets.
New York’s strategy at No. 10 will likely be dictated by their decision at No. 5. If the front office targets an offensive playmaker early, they may look to bolster the defense with their second pick. Current draft projections often link the Giants to Ohio State stars like linebacker Sonny Styles or wideout Carnell Tate. Below are the current betting favorites for the Giants’ first selection at No. 5.
Current Betting Favorites for the No. 5 Overall Selection
| Sonny Styles (LB, Ohio State) | +160 |
| Francis Mauigoa (OT, Miami) | +400 |
| Caleb Downs (S, Ohio State) | +400 |
| Jeremiyah Love (RB, Notre Dame) | +500 |
| Jordyn Tyson (WR, Arizona State) | +800 |
| Carnell Tate (WR, Ohio State) | +1400 |
With the No. 5 pick serving as the foundation of their draft class, here are five elite prospects the Giants could realistically target at No. 10 overall.
5. Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami
Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr. is a premier talent who might still be available at the tenth spot due to concerns regarding his arm length (measured at 30 7/8”). While edge rusher isn’t the Giants’ most glaring roster hole, Bain is widely considered one of the top overall prospects in this class. His versatility is a major selling point, as he possesses the frame and technique to slide inside and disrupt the pocket from the interior.
Bain’s production is undeniable. He led the nation with 83 pressures last season and proved to be a “big game” performer, tallying 24 pressures and five sacks across four College Football Playoff appearances. If he slides to the end of the top 10, his value might be too high for New York to ignore.
4. Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State
While taking an interior offensive lineman in the top 10 is often debated, Vega Ioane offers the kind of “clean” scouting report that the Giants’ offensive line desperately needs. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 323 pounds, Ioane was nearly perfect in 2025, surrendering zero sacks and zero quarterback hits while allowing only four pressures the entire season. For a team looking to stabilize their pass protection, Ioane represents a high-floor prospect with immediate Pro Bowl potential.
3. Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Mansoor Delane has frequently been linked to the Giants as high as the No. 5 pick, underscoring his status as a top-tier defensive talent. His statistics in the SEC are elite; he allowed a passer rating of just 24.1 when targeted, did not give up a single touchdown in coverage, and avoided being flagged for a single penalty. His playstyle draws comparisons to Quinyon Mitchell, suggesting he could transition into a lockdown NFL starter from day one.
2. Jordyn Tyson, WR, USC
Following the Lawrence trade, Jordyn Tyson has become a primary name of interest for New York. His draft stock is soaring, with odds currently sitting at -360 for him to be a top-10 selection. Giants GM Joe Schoen was recently spotted in Arizona meeting with Tyson, fueling rumors of a potential pairing.
When healthy, Tyson is arguably the most dynamic receiver in the 2026 class, having led the Big 12 in receptions over the last two seasons. However, his medical history is a significant variable. He has navigated a major knee injury (ACL, MCL, and PCL tears), a broken collarbone, and recent hamstring issues. Despite these setbacks, his 1,100-yard 2024 campaign highlights the game-changing ability he brings to an offense.
1. Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Caleb Downs is a generational talent in the secondary who arguably deserves more hype as a top-five lock. He is only the sixth defensive back in college football history to be named a Unanimous All-American twice. His versatility is unmatched; over the last three seasons, he is the only FBS defensive back to record 250 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and five interceptions. Downs offers the Giants a “chess piece” defender who can play multiple roles, drawing comparisons to the impact Kyle Hamilton has had at the professional level.
Final Thoughts: The trade of Dexter Lawrence has fundamentally changed the Giants’ draft outlook, providing them with the rare opportunity to land two cornerstone players within the first ten picks. Whether they prioritize a high-ceiling playmaker like Jordyn Tyson or a defensive anchor like Caleb Downs, the No. 10 selection gives New York the leverage to significantly accelerate their roster rebuild.
