RSS Giants Team Notes

NY Giants draft 2026: Mansoor Delane would love to play for John Harbaugh

imagn-28343848.jpg

Mansoor Delane | Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Mansoor Delane grew up in Silver Spring, Maryland as a fan of the Baltimore Ravens. So, when he had a chance this week to meet New York Giants coach John Harbaugh at the NFL Scouting Combine was special.

“Seeing Coach Harbaugh, I’m from Maryland, so I’m a Ravens guy, so I just told him personally that it’s just a surreal moment to be in the same room with him, and it was just a great meeting,” Delane said.

Could Delane end up playing cornerback for Harbaugh’s Giants in 2026? That certainly seems like a possibility.

The No. 8-ranked prospect on the Sports Info Solutions big board, Delane will be the first cornerback selected in the 2026 NFL Draft. If the Giants cannot re-sign free agent Cor’Dale Flott they will have a hole to fill. The 6-foot, 190-pound 22-year-old might be the player to fill it.

Delane was asked on Thursday why he felt his was the best cornerback in this draft class. His answer was direct:

“Put the film on.”

Delane wants to dictate rather than react to a wide receiver.

“I’m going to bring the fight to you,” he said. “The receiver lines up, and you’re going to do what I want you to do, rather than you dictating my game.

“If I play nickel, play safety I play it to my strengths.”

LSU CV Monsoor Delane, a possibility for the #NYGiants at No. 5 in the NFL Draft, on his play style.

— Ed Valentine (@edvalentine.bsky.social) 2026-02-26T14:18:22.679Z
Click to expand...

When you watch cornerbacks play, it is clear that some of them would rather avoid a tackle than try to make one. Delane is different.

“If I had the choice I’d play middle linebacker,” Delane said. “I love the physicality, I love tackling, I love being in the box.

“A lot of corners might be scared to tackle, but I love it.”

Maybe that love of physicality comes from Delane having been on the wrestling team at Landon High School in Bethesda.

Delane also calls himself “a studier of the game.”

“I just want to be a sponge. I just want to learn from guys. I think that’s the biggest thing for me,” Delane said. “I’d like to surround myself with high-caliber talent that I just soak up and try to bring and add new things to my game. So, I’d love to be a part of something where people are high-caliber players.”

Mansoor Delane scouting report​


This comes from The Ringer’s draft guide:

Delane is a big-impact defender with a knack for making plays on the ball. A transfer to LSU in 2025 after playing three seasons at Virginia Tech, he is a tough and physical cornerback who excels at several types of coverage looks. He loves crowding receivers at the line, and he mirrors effortlessly in press coverage. He’s very comfortable in off-coverage schemes, too, where he can utilize a half-turn technique and keep his eyes on the quarterback. He positions himself well, showing an understanding of spacing and reading route combinations. He flashes anticipation in coverage, frequently jumping routes to make a play. He stifles opponents at the catch point: He undercuts routes, rakes through opponents’ arms so they can’t finish the catch, and generally does all he can to make things very difficult for the receiver to complete the catch. That has translated to consistent production: He racked up two picks and 11 passes defensed for the Tigers in 2025, per PFF, with no touchdowns surrendered in coverage. And in three seasons at Virginia Tech, he picked off six passes, notched 16 passes defensed, and forced four fumbles. Delane’s versatility also stands out; he has seen snaps at outside corner, over the slot, in the box, and at free safety during his college career.

Delane has a slim frame and lacks length. He can be a little too grabby down the field and will need to play with more discipline at the next level. His aggressive nature in coverage could make him susceptible to double moves. He needs to be more consistent about wrapping up and finishing tackles.
Click to expand...

More NFL Scouting Combine coverage​

Click to expand...

Source: https://www.bigblueview.com/new-yor...r-delane-would-love-to-play-for-john-harbaugh
 
2026 NFL Scouting Combine: Is Sonny Styles the favorite for the NY Giants?

Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles before the play against the Miami Hurricanes

Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles before the play against the Miami Hurricanes | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The first day of on-field workouts at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine are done and dusted. We were treated to the defensive line, EDGE, and off-ball linebackers on the first day.

It’s possible, perhaps even likely, that we got to see at least one future New York Giant today. This was a highly impressive class of defenders with some incredible athletes at each position, with very few disappointing workouts.

However, there are always winners and losers in every Combine. And, as usual, these workouts will reshuffle draft boards and the accompanying mock drafts. So which players helped their draft stock, and who still has work to do?

Winners​


Sonny Styles (LB, Ohio State) – Styles started off winning by declaring that he’d work out at the Combine, then kept winning with a phenomenal weigh-in. He came in at 6-foot-5, 244 pounds with 32⅞ arms and 10-inch hands. That’s bigger and longer than Arvell Reese, who’s being considered as an edge defender and a top four prospect. He followed that up with a workout that’s in line with the likes of Nick Emmanwori, D.K. Metcalf, Saquon Barkley, or Calvin Johnson

  • 4.46-second 40-yard dash
  • 43 1/2-inch vertical (Combine record)
  • 11-foot-2 broad jump

Styles may have just made Bobby Okereke expendable… Assuming he lasts to the No. 5 overall pick.

Sonny Styles is a LB prospect in the 2026 draft class. He scored an unofficial 10.00 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 1 out of 3215 LB from 1987 to 2026.

Splits projected, all times unofficial, agilities left, bench tmrw, but 10.00 RAS watch is officially on!… pic.twitter.com/f2JFhymsXH

— RAS.football (@MathBomb) February 27, 2026
Click to expand...

Kyle Louis (LB, Pittsburgh) – Louis is an undersized linebacker at 6-foot and 220 pounds, and he tested like a defensive back with a 4.53-second 40-yard dash, 39.5-inch vertical and a 10-foot-9 broad jump. That isn’t as absurd as Styles’ workout, but he definitely established himself as an elite athlete. Louis would probably play something like a STAR safety/linebacker hybrid at the NFL level, but that’s a position that teams will be looking for to help combat modern offenses.

Jacob Rodriguez (LB, Texas Tech) – Today was an awesome day for the Red Raiders’ defensive front, and J-Rod might have helped himself the most. He won every possible award a linebacker could in last year, and he’s widely regarded as the most instinctive defenders in the draft. That said, there were questions as to whether Rodriguez has the athleticism to translate to the NFL. Well, his 4.57-second 40-yard dash answered those questions, and he likely cemented his draft stock as a Day 2 prospect.

Kaleb Elarms-Orr (LB, TCU) – Elarms-Orr set the tone for a great linebacker workout with a 4.47-second 40-yard dash. Daniel Jeremiah noted in the broadcast that there were questions about his long speed, but those questions were answered emphatically. Elarms-Orr had a good day in the field drills as well, showing that his athleticism translates to the more practical matter of playing linebacker.

Bryce Boettcher (LB, Oregon) – It was a bit disappointing that Boettcher didn’t run the 40, but that might be because he couldn’t hit anyone at the end. Boettcher is an incredibly physical linebacker (who is a former baseball player) and absolutely relishes contact on the field… Or even in warm-ups. That said, he’s much more than just a downhill thumper and is a good all-around linebacker. Boettcher looked very comfortable in the field drills and is the kind of smooth athlete we’ve come to expect from the Oregon Ducks.

Zane Durant (DT, Penn State) – The shortest distance between two points is a straight line, and that’s why quarterbacks hate interior gap penetration. Durant is “undersized” at 6-foot-1, 290 pounds, but he threw down a 4.75-second 40-yard dash with a 1.66-second 10-yard split (which ranks between Milton Williams and Jordan Davis among defensive tackles). His height means natural leverage, while his explosiveness and speed are self-evident. He followed that up with some impressive performances in the field drills, to show off his movement skills and the pop in his hands. Durant could definitely see his stock rise for teams that run one-gap attacking defenses.

Zane Durant run and club pic.twitter.com/VDQb8DfuuG

— Billy M (@BillyM_91) February 26, 2026
Click to expand...

Kaleb Proctor (DT, Southeastern Louisiana) – The Combine is a prime opportunity for small school and under-the-radar prospects to show up and show out. Proctor did just that with a 4.79-second 40-yard dash as well as a 33-inch vertical, and some great work in the position drills. He’s another 1-gap pass rushing lineman at 6-foot-2, 291 pounds, but he’s definitely sent scouts back to his tape. Proctor may have worked himself into the second day of the draft.

Chris McClellan (DT, Missouri) – McClellan has been just on the radar in the second tier of defensive tackles. He has the size to play a 1 or 0-technique, but also showed some juice as a pass rusher through the A and B-gaps. McClellen had one of the better workouts in the defensive line position group with 5.05 second 40-yard dash at 6-foot-4, 314-pounds. He was also very quick and smooth in the field drills despite his size.

T.J. Parker (EDGE, Clemson) – Like most of the Clemson products, Parker suffered a significant tumble down draft boards compared to his pre-season rankings. Parker was considered one of the top edge defenders in the class and a potential Top 10 pick, but had a disappointing year. He began to repair his draft stock with a strong finish to the season and then a great week at the Senior Bowl. Parker performed as expected in the 40, with a strong 1.62-second 10-yard split but a slightly slow (for a modern EDGE) 4.68 seconds on the full 40 yards.

Malachi Lawrence (UCF) – Lawrence has been on the fringes of the Day 2 conversation, but he might have put himself firmly in Day 2 with his measurable workout. He threw down a great 1.58 10-yard split and a 4.52-second 40-yard dash, as well as a 10’10” broad jump and a 40-inch vertical. He was also quick and fluid in the field drills to go along with his impressive measurables. The UCF edge led his team in tackles for a loss and sacks, and could make a real impact in the NFL in 2026.

Losers​


Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami) – Bain didn’t work out at the Combine, and that’s part of why he’s a loser here today. Top prospects like Styles and Arvel Reese took the opportunity to work out and compete, while Bain eschewed his workout in favor of Miami’s pro day. That’s understandable considering Miami played two more games after beating Ohio State in the College Football Playoffs, but teams still love to see prospects take every single opportunity to compete that they’re afforded.

Worse, Bain weighed in lighter than expected at 267 pounds with extremely short 30⅞ inch arms. The average arm length for an edge defender is 33.5 inches, with a standard deviation of roughly 1.0 inches. That would put Bain’s arm length in the bottom 1 percentile. He was dominant on tape in college, but he’ll fall below some (or even many) teams’ thresholds.

Peter Woods (Clemson) – Woods was widely expected to blow up the Combine and put on a show, seizing the opportunity to repair his draft stock after a hugely disappointing 2025 season. Instead, he didn’t work out, eschewed the opportunity to compete and show off the athleticism that had him reckoned a Top 10 prospect before the season. He’ll have a lot of work to reassure teams that he’s worth a significant investment.

Cashius Howell (EDGE, Texas A&M) – Howell was expected to have short arms, but he was also expected to be one of the fastest edge defenders in the class. Unfortunately, his arms measured even shorter than expected at 30¼ inches. He had a good showing in the 40 with a 1.6-second 10-yard split and 4.59-second 40 time, though that was still slower than expected. He’ll still be drafted highly, but perhaps not as highly as we would have thought with his college tape.

More NFL Scouting Combine coverage​

Click to expand...

Source: https://www.bigblueview.com/nfl-combine/155406/2026-nfl-scouting-combine-winners-losers-sonny-styles
 
NY Giants rumors: Team looking at top RBs at NFL combine and free agency

Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love carries the ball against Stanford.

Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love carries the ball against Stanford. | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The on-field workouts get the spotlight at the NFL Scouting Combine, but the annual gathering in Indianapolis is far more than just the workouts. It’s as much a league-wide conference and convention as it is a venue for gathering scouting information for the upcoming draft.

NFL teams talk to each other, talk to players’ agents, and also look at what each other is doing to try and divine their intentions. This week sets the stage for teams’ entire off-season strategies, not just the draft but free agency as well.

Here, of course, we’re interested in the New York Giants and what they’ll be doing over the coming weeks and months. And on that note, Jordan Raanan of ESPN reported that word around the Combine is that the Giants are looking seriously at the top running backs on the market. Not just the likes of Jeremiyah Love of Notre Dame, who might be the best player in the 2026 draft, but top free agents like Kenneth Walker and Travs Etienne.

Raanan states that the team’s focus seems to be “becoming a more physical run-heavy team.”


It wouldn’t be a surprise at all to see the Giants add a running back at some point in the draft or free agency. Devin Singletary seems like an obvious cap casualty, and at least adding depth seems remarkably prudent.

That said, they don’t have much work to do be a physical, run-heavy team.

After all, they already are one.

The Giants had the second-most rushing attempts in the NFL last year, four carries ahead of Harbaugh’s Baltimore Ravens. They were also fifth in rushing yards per game (129.1) fourth in rushing touchdowns (22, one fewer than the Ravens), and fifth in rushing EPA (+39.83).

The Giants will get sparkplug runner Cam Skattebo back from injury, while Tyrone Tracy is the only player from the 2024 draft to top 1,000 yards in each of his first two seasons.

They also leaned into a down-hill power run game, with with 78 percent of Tyrone Tracy’s carries and 81 percent of Cam Skattebo’s carries coming between the tackles. In particular, the Giants a G/T Counter as their bread and butter running play.

The follow-on to this rumor is how it will impact the Giants’ plans for their offensive line. Ravens’ center Tyler Linderbaum has been a frequent subject of speculation since John Harbaugh was hired, however it’s also been confirmed that the Ravens made a “market setting” offer to the center. Giants’ center John Michael Schmitz is a better pass protector than Linderbaum, but a worse run blocker — at least at this point in his development.

The Giants also have to address the right guard and right tackle positions, and they would have to generate significant cap space to reset the center market for Linderbaum as well as sign Jermaine Elumunor and fill the hole at right guard.

Meanwhile, Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network is reporting that the Giants aren’t planning on overhauling their roster. John Harbaugh (reportedly) believes the Giants have the talent to compete, and is more likely to “tinker” with the roster than go through a tear-down and rebuild.

All of these potentially interconnected reports should obviously be taken with a grain of salt. This time of year is also rife with smoke — be it misinformation or outright disinformation. However, we would probably be smart to consider running back as a real area of interest for the Giants, even with the position already a strength.

How much do you buy the rumors? And do you think investing in a top running back is the right move for the Giants?
Click to expand...

Source: https://www.bigblueview.com/new-york-giants-rumors/155480/ny-giants-running-backs-draft-free-agency
 
NFL salary cap officially set at $301.2M; Giants need to create space

gettyimages-2263572923.jpg

Joe Schoen | Getty Images

The NFL informed teams on Friday that the league’s 2026 salary cap would be set at $301.2 million per team. That is up $22 million from the 2025 salary cap, but on the lower end of projections that ranged from $301-305 million.

The news puts the New York Giants in an even tighter cap situation as NFL free agency looms.

On an estimated $303.5 million cap the Giants are shown by Over the Cap with $3.347 million in cap space. Subtract $2.3 million from that for the actual cap number, and the Giants come in with right around $1 million in space.

The Giants are spending the week at the NFL Scouting Combine assessing costs of there own free agents — like Jermaine Eluemunor, Wan’Dale Robinson, and Cor’Dale Flott — as well other players they would like to pursue.

General manager Joe Schoen said this week that once the Combine concludes the Giants will gather to assess how much cap room they need to create via cuts, restructures, and trades to have a chance to do what they want to do in free agency.

“We’ll get an idea what the values are for some of our UFAs and what type of room we’re going to need and then how we’re going to approach that,” Schoen said.

How much cap room would Schoen like to create?

“As much as we need,” Schoen said. “It depends what we need.”

I recently took a look at ways the Giants can create space. Here is the crux of it.

Salary cap cuts​


There are a couple of “obvious” moves, and a handful of “maybe’s.”

Obvious cuts​


PK Graham Gano — Cap savings: $4.5M | Dead money: $1.25M
OT James Hudson — Cap savings: $5.38M | Dead money: $2.305M
RB Devin Singletary — Cap savings: $5.25M | Dead money: $1.25M

You might argue that Singletary could have a place on the 2026 roster. No chance he sticks as the No. 3 running back at his current $6.5 million cap hit, though. Taking a restructure or outright pay cut would seem to be his only chance to stay.

Cap savings from those three cuts: $15.13 million.

Total estimated cap space after those cuts is $23.071 million.

Potential cuts​


There are two that would save significant cap space.

LB Bobby Okereke — Cap savings: $9M | Dead money: $5.463M
G Jon Runyan Jr. — Cap savings: $9.25M | Dead money: $2.5M

Based on the finances and a guess that Harbaugh might want to upgrade the interior of the line, I think Runyan is vulnerable. Those two cuts would add $18.25M in cap space to our $23.071 million.

Our total cap space: $41.321 million.

If the Giants wanted to drop wide receiver Jalin Hyatt, that would save another $1.517M with just $272,000 in dead money. That would bring us to $42.838 million in cap space.

Potential contract restructures​


There are two ways to restructure NFL contracts: simple restructures and maximum restructures.

Per Over The Cap:

  • A simple restructure converts payments into prorated signing bonuses within the confines of the remainder of the contract. Teams typically have the ability to unilaterally execute simple restructures without any action necessary from the player.
  • A maximum restructure increases the amount of cap space via conversion into prorated signing bonuses by either extending the contract or by adding void years to a contract, years that do not extend the contract but are only used as placeholders for the proration. Maximum restructures are typically considered a renegotiation of the contract that requires the player’s consent to execute.

OTC has put together a chart showing the restructuring potential for each team. This chart was compiled before the league announced the 2026 salary cap would be between $301 and $305 million, so the amount of space the Giants would have after restructures is slightly off. The impact, though, remains the same.


  • If the Giants executed a simple restructure of every contract they have that is eligible to be restructured, they would save $61.183 million under the cap, per Over the Cap’s calculations.
  • If the Giants executed a maximum restructure of every contract eligible to be restructured, they would save an astronomical $126.743 million.

The players the Giants have who are eligible for contract restructures are as follows, per OTC:

  • Brian Burns
  • Dexter Lawrence
  • Paulson Adebo
  • Andrew Thomas
  • Jevon Holland
  • Darius Slayton
  • Chauncey Golston
  • Jamie Gillan

How about a trade?​


Moving Kayvon Thibodeaux in a trade would save the Giants $14.751 million in cap space. When I made trading Thibodeaux one of my bold offseason predictions, I was thinking about the mid-round draft capital the Giants could gain. The cap relief would also be a plus.

What would I do?​


In terms of restructures, I would not hesitate to do that with Burns. Using OTC’s cap calculator, a Burns’ restructure would save $15.5M in cap space, driving his cap number from $36.55 million to $20.3 million.

The next-biggest amount the Giants could save via a restructure would be $11.388M with Thomas. Instead, I think I would restructure Lawrence, driving his cap hit from $26.958M to $17.6M and saving $8.85M in cap space.

Final thoughts​


I am not a capologist, and you may agree or disagree with any of these moves. The entire point here was to show that the Giants do have plenty of flexibility and can get to $60 million or more in 2026 cap space should they want to.
Click to expand...

Source: https://www.bigblueview.com/new-yor...et-at-301-million-giants-need-to-create-space
 
NY Giants draft 2026: Could Carnell Tate be ‘Robin’ next to Malik Nabers’ ‘Batman’?

gettyimages-2263312144.jpg

Carnell Tate | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate, consistently the player who has been given to the New York Giants most often in mock drafts prior to the 2026 NFL Draft, has a simple message for NFL teams.

“If you want a game-changer, you got one right here,” Tate said during his podium session Saturday morning at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Tate, 6-foot-2, 195 pounds, is expected to be the first wide receiver selected in the draft. After catching 51 passes for 875 yards (17.2 yards per reception) and nine touchdowns in 2025, Tate isn’t shy about telling anyone what he believes he is capable of.

“I can do it all. Route running — I was able to flip DBs all throughout the season and run past them,” he said. “Catching, route running, blocking. I’ve got the mindset of the best in the draft class. I got the route running, I’m able to manipulate DBs, catch over defenders, sideline awareness, blocking — whatever you need, I got.”

Tate didn’t hesitate when asked who the best wide receiver in the 2026 draft class is.

“Me, no questions,” he said. “I bring it all to the table.

“I think my game brings it all to the table. I got the contested catch. I got that route running, and I also bring the run game, like a lot of receivers don’t do that. So I’m able to impact the game with or without the ball in my hands.”

What the Giants need at wide receiver is a player who can be ‘Robin’ in support of star receiver Malik Nabers in the ‘Batman’ role. Tate is familiar with that as he has never been the No. 1 receiver for the Buckeyes. In 2023, Ohio State had Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka. In 2024, Egbuka and Jeremiah Smith were the top targets. In 2025, Smith was clearly Ohio State’s WR1.

Tate and two Ohio State teammates, linebacker Sonny Styles and safety Caleb Downs, are among the players who could be drafted by the Giants at No. 5. Tate would not mind sharing the New York City spotlight with Nabers.

“I came from playing with another receiver — to go out there and play along another receiver, it would be a great opportunity,” Tate said. “Especially playing in New York, big showcase. I’d love to go out there and play in New York.”

Tate said he will only run the 40-yard dash on Saturday during on-field workouts.

More Combine coverage​

Click to expand...

Source: https://www.bigblueview.com/new-yor...next-to-malik-nabers-batman-no-5-overall-pick
 
2026 NFL Combine: Which receivers and running backs helped themselves?

Arkansas running back Mike Washington runs the 40-yard dash at the 2026 NFL Draft.

Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Arkansas running back Mike Washington Jr. (RB20) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

We finally made it through a long, long Saturday, but the offensive skill position workouts in the 2026 NFL Draft are in the book.

The New York Giants need to continue to add talent around Jaxson Dart on the offensive side of the ball, and there has also been talk that they could be looking to add to their running back room. For a supposedly weak draft class we saw yet another day of historic workouts from every position group.

Everyone is looking forward to the 2027 class, but this might wind up (or maybe already IS) the most athletic draft class in NFL history. For enjoyers of absurdly athletic humans doing absurdly athletic things, or just football in general, this week has been an absolute treat.

So, which players helped themselves the most in today’s workouts?

Winners​

Running backs​


Mike Washington (Arkansas) – There was talk among draft nerds that the Razorbacks’ running back could roll in the 40-yard dash. Despite weighing in at 6-foot-1, 223 pounds, Washington led the running back class with a 4.33-second 40-yard dash. He plays to his size on the field and is willing to hit the truck stick and run behind his pads, but his speed also makes him a big play threat. Washington bypassed the field drills, but threw down a potentially historic workout:

Mike Washington Jr. is a RB prospect in the 2026 draft class. He scored an unofficial 10.00 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 1 out of 2115 RB from 1987 to 2026.

Pending bench tomorrow, then pro day. Splits projected. 10.00 Watch, last set in 2003!… pic.twitter.com/pzHVuL6RXv

— RAS.football (@MathBomb) February 28, 2026
Click to expand...

Adam Randall (Clemson) – Adam Randall continues to build his case that we shouldn’t ignore him. The former receiver has excellent size at 6-foot-3, 232 pounds, jumped out of the gym with a 37-inch vertical 10-foot-4 broad jump, and a good (for his size) 4.50-second 40-yard dash. His combination of size and speed gives him the third-best Speed Score (behind Mike Washington and Jeremiyah Love) among the backs who ran the 40. Randall also performed very well in the field drills showing great fluidity as well as the natural hands you’d expect from a former receiver.

Randall has already shown good vision, contact balance, and physicality on tape. He might be a Day 3 prospect, but he shouldn’t be under the radar.

Jam Miller (Alabama) – Jam Miller had himself a very nice Saturday. He surprised by weighing in at 209 pounds after playing at (roughly) 225 at Alabama, but showed that a lighter weight might suit him and his game. He ran the fourth-fastest 40-yard dash with a 4.42-second 40, and then had an excellent performance in the field drills. Miller managed to look both quick and twitchy as well as fluid in the drills and also caught the ball well.

Jam Miller off-tackle recognitionpic.twitter.com/XCh8gbLtuB

— Pick 6 Pack (@Pick6PackFB) February 28, 2026
Click to expand...

Honorable mentions: Jadarian Price (Notre Dame), Robert Henry Jr. (UTSA), Rashul Faison (South Carolina)

Wide receivers​


Ted Hurst (Georgia State) – Shout out to Georgia State! Hurst has been making a name for himself since the Senior Bowl and nothing has changed over the last month. He had a great workout with 4.42 speed at 6-foot-4, 204 pounds, and he absolutely looked like he belonged among the top prospects in the field drills — including a FANTASTIC catch on the QB’s deep pass drills. Boxes checked and don’t be surprised if you hear his name called on the second day of the draft.

Bryce Lance (North Dakota State) – This has been a good night for NDSU. Lance has good size at 6-foot-3, 204 pounds, and excellent speed with a 4.34-second 40-yard dash. Lance is a tenacious blocker in NDSU’s run-first offense on tape, but caught the ball exceptionally well in drills. He popped on tape when studying Grey Zabel a year ago, and I’m glad to see him showing out in Indy.

Skyler Bell (UConn) – Bell has been on my personal radar for a while, but he might be on the national radar after today. He came into the day with the reputation as a very good route runner, but showed off his explosiveness with a 41-inch vertical and 11-foot-1 broad jump. He also ran his routes well and caught the ball cleanly throughout the first group of wide receiver drills.

Chris Brazzell II (Tennessee) – There is a group of receivers after the Top 4, but how they sort out will really be in the eye of the beholder and individual team needs. Brazzell made his bid to separate himself with a blazing 4.37-second 40-yard dash at 6-foot-5, 200 pounds. He’s coming from a limited passing offense, but he has better agility and fluidity than his frame would suggest and all the vertical playmaking ability that it does.

Jeff Caldwell (Cincinnati) – We have another potential historic RAS on our hands. Caldwell weighed in at 6-foot-5, 216 pounds, and turned in an excellent 4.32-second 40-yard dash, 42-inch vertical, and 11-foot-2 broad jump. Caldwell came into the Combine as a priority free agent, but he sent teams back to his tape with that workout.

Jeff Caldwell is a WR prospect in the 2026 draft class. He scored an unofficial 10.00 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 2 out of 3830 WR from 1987 to 2026.

Pending bench and agilities, splits projected.https://t.co/Vd4HAcnEyd pic.twitter.com/3oKQNat7sK

— RAS.football (@MathBomb) February 28, 2026
Click to expand...

Ja’Kobi Layne (USC) – Lane had the kind of 40-time you’d expect from him with 4.47 seconds. But he showed off what makes him special in the field drills with vacuum hands in that sucked in everything thrown near him. Makai Lemon got the accolades at USC, but Lane was the jump-ball and contested catch specialist. He has solid size at 6-foot-4, 200 pounds, but it’s his 10 1/2 inch hands and ball skills that make him special.

Colbie Young (Georgia) – Young has had a tumultuous path to the NFL (that’s a whole other story) but he’s been on my radar since his 2023 season at Miami. Young has great size at 6-foot-5, 218 pounds, and not only ran a great 4.49 40-yard dash, he was the fastest among the second group in the gauntlet with a 19.72 mph. He’ll likely be a late-round draft pick, but he has a high ceiling.

Honorable mentions: Deion Burks (Oklahoma), Omar Cooper Jr. (Indiana)

Quarterbacks​


Ty Simpson (Alabama) – Simpson came into the day as QB 2 and he leaves Indianapolis as QB 2. However, he had an excellent day and the big question is how much he elevated his draft stock. Simpson only has one year as a starter, but looked very polished throwing the ball. Did he manage to elevate himself into the first round? I’m sure the Giants certainly hope he did — unless they’re hoping a team would trade up for him at the top of the second round.

Cole Payton (North Dakota State) – Payton certainly showed that he belonged among SEC prospects coming from the FCS level. He was not only one of the most athletic quarterbacks on the property (4.56-second 40, 10-foot-10 broad jump, 40-inch vert at 6-foot-3, 232 pounds), but he threw the ball really well. The ball jumped off his hand and he was a very accurate passer in drills. Payton also has a baseball background and is able to throw accurately from pretty much any platform and arm slot. He’ll be a mainstay in the back end of my mock drafts as a 3rd quarterback and eventual primary backup to Jaxson Dart. Handedness aside (Payton is a lefty), they’re the same guy.

Taylen Green (Arkansas) – Green is going to be a “developmental” prospect at quarterback and is much more of an athlete playing QB than anything else right now… But what an athlete. He’s a huge passer at 6-foot 5 7/8 inches, 227 pounds, with 34 3/4 inch arms and 9 7/8 inch hands and started his day by shattering Anthony Richardson’s record of 40.5 inches on the vertical leap with a 43.5-inch vert. After that he had an 11-foot-2 broad jump, which broke the record by 5 inches, and a 4.37-second 40.

Some team is going to take a flier on Green, and even if it doesn’t work out at QB he might have a future as a pass catcher.

Hayens King (Georgia Tech) – King is an interesting prospect coming out of Georgia Tech. They’re a run-first offense that relies heavily on the triple-option offense, and he had 2,277 yards and 31 touchdowns on the ground. That’s in addition to 7,907 yards and 55 touchdowns through the air. King turned a fantastic 4.47-second 40-yard dash, which is good for the 6th-fastest time ever by a quarterback. He was overshadowed by Taylen Green, but he’ll have NFL decision makers taking a long look.

Honorable mentions: Garrett Nussmeier (LSU), Drew Allar (Penn State), Carson Beck (Miami)

Losers​

Running backs​


Nick Singleton (Penn State) – This isn’t Singleton’s fault, and it’s really beyond his control. However, he broke a bone in his foot during Senior Bowl week and was unable to work out. Singleton came into the year vying for mantle of Top RB with Jeremiyah Love, but had a disappointing year in a tumultuous season for Penn State. The Draft Process was Singleton’s chance to rehabilitate his draft stock, particularly considering he’s an excellent athlete. Unfortunately, he’ll have to wait until a pre-draft workout to try and boost his stock.

Wide receivers​


Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State) – Tyson might be the best all-around wide receiver in this draft class. He’s almost as long as Carnell Tate and as agile as Makai Lemon, with great explosiveness and speed. Tyson reminds me of former Giant Hakeem Nicks, and like Nicks the big question with Tyson is his health. He suffered a devastating knee injury in 2022 that also cost him 2023, lost time in 2024 to a broken collar bone and a hamstring injury in 2025. It’s that hamstring injury that’s keeping him out of the on-field workouts at the Combine.

This was his chance to answer those questions about his health and he could slide further than anticipated if they persist.

Malachi Fields (Notre Dame) – Fields was frustrating on tape. There were flashes of toughness, ball tracking, and separation on quick passes, however speed was a question on tape. He built a following during the Senior Bowl week and left Mobile just outside of the Top 4 — at least in the eyes of some. He’s still a big, powerful receiver who tracks the ball well, but his 4.61-second 40 is going to give a lot of decision makers pause.

Quarterbacks​


Indiana fans – This isn’t a great QB class, and I don’t want to put anyone here unless they spray the ball all over the yard or actually hurt themselves. Instead, I want to call out the Indiana fans in attendance booing Carson Beck. I get being competitive, but it’s not like Miami and Indiana are historic rivals, Beck was a 4-year starter and Miami legend, or that Beck was a thorn in Indiana’s side for years.

And Indiana won.

Cheering home-town heroes like Omar Cooper Jr. is one thing, but booing a college prospect who only ever played against your team once (and lost) is some Philly-level nonsense.
Click to expand...

Source: https://www.bigblueview.com/nfl-com...receivers-and-running-backs-helped-themselves
 
NY Giants NFL Draft meetings tracker 2026: Players the Giants have met with

gettyimages-2263096127.jpg

Mansoor Delane | Getty Images

Which prospects have the New York Giants met with in the buildup to the 2026 NFL Draft? That is something fans love to track, so were doing it for you.

Below is the known list of players the Giants have met with. Be aware, there are likely MANY, MANY others that have gone unreported. So, this list is unofficial and likely incomplete. It is, though, the most accurate information we currently have.

NFL Scouting Combine meetings​


Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri (Devin Jackson)
Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

“That meeting was awesome. Coach Harbaugh was great,” Styles said.

Anthony Hill, LB, Texas (Stapleton)
Peter Woods, DT, Clemson (Stapleton)
Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech (D. Orlando Ledbetter)
Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State (Stapleton)
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

“I like them a lot. Hopefully they call my name draft night,” Love said

Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

“I came from playing with another receiver — to go out there and play along another receiver, it would be a great opportunity. Especially playing in New York, big showcase. I’d love to go out there and play in New York,” Tate said

Makai Lemon, WR, USC

“I met with them and it would be a huge blessing. Those guys are young guys. They’re great players. So to be alongside with them, it’d be cool.”

Will Lee, CB, Texas A&M (Draft Network)
Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State

“It was nice just talking to the home team. Just, growing up as a kid in Jersey, of course I had dreams for playing for the home team,” Igbinosun said.

Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

“Coach Harbaugh, he was a cool guy. It was a good meeting; they taught me a lot. We went over their defense too. I like the defense they run. I feel like I fit there good, too,” McCoy said.

Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

“Seeing Coach Harbaugh, I’m from Maryland, so I’m a Ravens guy, so I just told him personally that, you know, it’s just a surreal moment to be in the same room with him, and it was just a great meeting, Delane said.

Chris Bell, WR, Louisville (Chat Sports)

All-Star games​


Chris Mosley, RB, North Carolina Center | HBCU Legacy Bowl (Melo)
Tristan Leigh, OT, Clemson | East-West Shrine Bowl (Ryan Fowler)
Click to expand...

Source: https://www.bigblueview.com/new-yor.../nfl-draft-meetings-tracker-visits-interviews
 
NY Giants NFL Draft 2026: What does ‘love of the game’ mean to prospects?

imagn-28349407.jpg

Oklahoma LB Kendal Daniels. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

“They’ve got to love football. … You want a bunch of people that understand that that’s what we’re here for and that can fit the type of team we want to play, the values that we’re looking for. We want good, tough, hard-nosed players that want to play hard, that are team-first type people that like every part of football, meetings, weightlifting, practice, preparation, like being around the guys and the gals who are involved in it, and they want to go out there on Sunday and let it rip. That’s what we’re looking for.”

That is New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh talking about the type of players he wants to coach.

With that in mind, I spent some time at the NFL Scouting Combine asking NFL Draft prospects what “Love of the game” meant to them. Here are some of the responses I received.

The first two are my favorites. They are the kind of responses I think would get Harbaugh’s attention if he had been asking the question.

Kendal Daniels, LB, Oklahoma

“I love the game of football, but Coach Venables always said you have to live it, you have to breathe it, you have to know football, you have to think about football every day. Love is a word that people just throw around. I love the game of football, but you have to love the game of football when it’s hard, when you don’t feel like getting up, when you don’t feel like you can do this anymore. That’s when you show love for something. That’s when you know you can keep going.

“I’ve had experiences like that. In 2024 season I was on the edge of thinking that I was falling out of love, but you figure out that you love football more than you think you do when you start thinking about what’s next. Going to Oklahoma made me figure out that I really love football, and that’s something people need to understand. Love isn’t when it’s going great. It’s when you’re not doing good, do you still love the game of football and still want to play.”

Tyreak Sapp, DL, Florida

“Love the game to me means you’re down with everything that comes with it. You’re down with the ups, you’re down with the downs. When things aren’t going well are you still with the team, can you still hold the team together, can you still galvanize the guys, and can you still come to work every day and show up and do your job? It is your job, it is your duty to go out there and get the job done.

“That’s what I think love of the game is. Are you willing to give your all and be with, and go with the flow and go with the punches of everything that comes with this game because this game is not all sunshine and rainbows, it’s not all like a box of ice cream. There are going to be hard times, you’re going to go through adversity, but I feel like it’s your ability to push through adversity and overcome.”

Kaleb Elarms-Orr, LB, TCU

“You gotta be obsessed with the game. If you want to be great in football everything that you do, what you eat, recovery, when you go to sleep, even when you’re not in season has to revolve around the game. I feel like that’s something I definitely have been doing these last two years. Ever since I got to TCU everything I do revolves around getting that one percent better, getting that competitive edge to be the best player I can possibly be.”

Namdi Obiazor, LB, TCU

”Loving the game is not playing the game, but what you do when you’re outside the game. That could be recovery, watching extra film. Really just living football.“

Max Llewellyn, DL, Iowa

“For me, the reason I get out of bed and do what I do is just the brotherhood aspect of the game. Nowadays everyone’s transferring and that’s all great, but for me personally I came in with my guys freshman year, we grew up together, we had five years, we were all working towards a common goal. That last year I played with all my boys, just knowing all the work we put in … that was the most rewarding year of life just knowing all the work we put in and showing up with them. That’s pretty much why I do it.”

Jack Pyburn, DL, LSU

“It’s just overall about caring. I feel like when you love the game you love all aspects of football, but you love the guys around you. To truly love the game you have to be a leader. To be a true leader you have to be a guy that cares about everything that you do and care about the people around you, staff, everyone. Everyone’s job is on the line when you go out there, so having a level of care and passion about the game and the people around you is what makes a great football player.”

Zeek Masses, CB, California

“It’s just your mindset, man. This game is going to come with adversity, so you have to have a great mindset.”

T.J. Hall, CB, Iowa

“To me, loving the game is just really being all about football. I can’t see myself doing anything but playing football right now. I don’t really have a Plan B. I’m all Plan A. I just want to do this. I’ve been wanting to do this since I was four or five years old.”
Click to expand...

Source: https://www.bigblueview.com/new-yor...l-draft-prospects-what-love-of-the-game-means
 
NY Giants NFL Draft 2026: Mock draft explores trade down scenario

gettyimages-2263551376.jpg

Francis Mauigoa | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah recently said none of the NFL teams he had spoken to, which is most likely all of them, had expressed an interest in moving up in Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft. That does not mean we can’t discuss the idea of the New York Giants trying to move down from No. 5 overall to add more draft capital.

In a draft that has many good players at positions not considered high-value ones, and few potentially great players, moving down certainly has merit if the Giants can find a dance partner.

In a newly-released seven-round mock draft, Pro Football and Sports Network has created a trade-down scenario for the Giants. Let’s go through the mock and see what PFSN’s Ian Cummings did for the Giants.

Round 1 (No. 5)​


Trade.

Saints receive No. 5 overall pick
Giants receive No. 8 overall pick, No. 73 overall pick

I like it because it both keeps the Giants in the top 10, and nets them a third-round pick to replace the one they used to move up and select quarterback Jaxson Dart in last year’s draft.

It is important to note who was NOT available when this trade was made.

  • Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles went No. 2 to the New York Jets.
  • Ohio State edge Arvell Reese went No. 3 to the Arizona Cardinals.
  • Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate went No. 4 to the Tennessee Titans.

Round 1 (No. 8) — Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)​


Cummings writes:

After trading back and acquiring capital, the Giants reinforce their offensive line to support Jaxson Dart by adding Francis Mauigoa. Mauigoa could eventually shift inside for New York, but he has the athleticism, balance, patient hands, and stifling anchor to stick at tackle despite his lack of length.
Click to expand...

For context, here are picks 5-7:

  • Texas Tech edge defender David Bailey went No. 5 to the Saints.
  • Utah offensive tackle Calen Lomu (a surprise as the first OT selected) went No. 6 to the Cleveland Browns.
  • Ohio State safety Caleb Downs went No. 7 to the Washington Commanders.

It is a bummer that Downs went off the board one pick earlier. Still, picking betweem Mauigoa, Utah tackle Spencer Fano, LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane, Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, Miami edge defender Reuben Bain, and Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson is hardly a bad thing.

Round 2 (No. 37) — Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State​


Cummings writes:

Chris Johnson’s film is immaculate, and at the NFL Combine, he posted a 4.4 40-yard dash and a 38″ vertical at 6-foot, 193 pounds, while also shining in positional drills with his transition freedom, smooth pedal, and instant retractions. For New York, he’s a potential high-tier starter.
Click to expand...

This is a player I need to study. I have no issue with going cornerback here.

Round 3 (No. 73) — Skyler Bell, WR, UConn​


Cummings writes:

With luck, Malik Nabers can return to peak form off his torn ACL, but Dart and John Harbaugh can’t stop there with their weapons core. A quality WR2 is needed to properly spread the field, and Skyler Bell has the quickness, separation ability, and dynamic RAC to suffice.
Click to expand...

Day 3​


Round 4 (No. 105) — Aiden Fisher, LB, Indiana

Round 5 (No. 143) — Keagen Trost, OL, Missouri

Round 6 (No. 185) — Dalton Johnson, S, Arizona

Round 6 (No. 191) — Rayshaun Benny, DT, Michigan

Round 6 (No. 192) — Jaeden Roberts, G, Alabama

Need after need addressed on Day 3. I like the fliers on the trench players with the last two picks.
Click to expand...

Source: https://www.bigblueview.com/new-yor...aft-trade-down-saints-francis-mauigoa-ot-no-8
 
Giants news, 3/4: Trade sets Jermaine Eluemunor’s free agent value

New York Giants News


Good morning, New York Giants fans!

From Big Blue View​

Other Giant observations​

Giants’ Jaxson Dart reveals what he loves most about John Harbaugh | NJ.com​


As John Harbaugh gets ready to build around Jaxson Dart — with free agency beginning next Monday — the Giants’ prized second-year quarterback recently spent some time raving about his new coach.

“He loves the way that I play the game. And I think that was one thing that kind of drew our relationship from a competitive standpoint. Like, he knows how much I love the sport, how passionate I am to go out there and compete at a high level, and he’s the exact same way. So I can’t wait to play for a coach like him, who instills a relentless mindset — from his coaching staff to his players to the whole organization.”
Click to expand...

Jaxson Dart: I’m going for it when running for a first down​

“I think that it's very situational based…”

“I promise I'm NOT going to be the one that's going to slide before that first down marker, I'm gonna give it EVERYTHING…”

Giants QB @JaxsonDart discusses his mindset as a runner going into year two: pic.twitter.com/pETbCD0W8m

— Ross Tucker Podcast (@RossTuckerPod) March 2, 2026
Click to expand...

Everything we learned about all 32 teams at the 2026 NFL combine | The Athletic​

New York Giants. The Giants are willing to trade outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux, but they aren’t going to give him away. The No. 5 pick in the 2022 draft is due $14.8 million in 2026 on his fifth-year option. Trading Thibodeaux, who is behind Brian Burns and Abdul Carter on the depth chart, would create significant savings that could be spent to fill holes elsewhere. But if the Giants can’t get adequate value (think a Day 2 pick or a quality player), they’re content to hold onto the 25-year-old to maintain the strength of their pass rush.
Click to expand...

Report: New York Giants interested in Bears LB Tremaine Edmunds | USAToday.com​


Edmunds was granted permission to seek a trade earlier this week. A first-round pick (No. 16 overall) by the Buffalo Bills in 2018, Edmunds has established himself as a versatile and productive off-ball linebacker. He earned Pro Bowl honors in 2019 and 2020 during his time in Buffalo, where he overlapped with current Giants general manager Joe Schoen, who served as assistant GM there.

One player who has strong trade value and a decent chance to be dealt is Bears linebacker Tremaine Edmunds. The Titans, Raiders and Giants are among teams interested in high-end linebackers, and they like Edmunds, who’s only 27 despite eight years in the league. He was granted permission to seek a trade earlier this week.
Click to expand...

Giants NFL Combine Notes: Are Kayvon Thibodeaux and Dexter Lawrence trade candidates? | SNY.tv​

The recent hiring of Dawn Aponte is a significant move. Multiple sources at varying levels described her as a “killer” — intended as high praise. Aponte is confident in her expertise and has little tolerance for incompetence or dysfunction. She will not surround herself — or allow others to surround the organization — with anything that is not working.

“Between her and John,” one source said, “that building better be on their sh-t.”

Aponte was heavily involved in informal meetings with agents throughout the week. SNY checked in with several who met with the Giants. The groups varied, which is typical. Agents met with some combination of Aponte, Charles Tisch, Joe Schoen, Ed Triggs, Chris Rossetti and Tim McDonnell. Others joined at times. Schoen was a frequent topic of conversation in Indianapolis. The Giants insist his role has not changed, but that has not stopped speculation across league circles. The simplest way to quiet that chatter: extend Schoen. If he and Harbaugh are as aligned as they say, formalize the partnership beyond the 2026 draft.
Click to expand...

2026 NFL cut candidates for each team | PFF​


New York Giants: G Jon Runyan The Giants had little guard depth in the 2025 season, meaning veterans Greg Van Roten and Jon Runyan started the entire year and each played over 1,000 snaps. Runyan’s 52.9 PFF grade was 65th out of 79 guards, and though he could remain as valuable depth for an offense that needs it, the Giants could aim to move on from him and address their needs at guard in the draft and free agency. Cutting Runyan would save the Giants a valuable $9.25 million as they veer toward free agency. There’s every chance they could take an offensive lineman in their first few picks, even with the No. 5 selection in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Cor’Dale Flott picked by ESPN insider to get big contract​

pic.twitter.com/mok8Y7I9sZ

— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) February 28, 2026
Click to expand...

NFL World Raises Concerns About Cam Skattebo’s Injury Amid Rumors of NY Targeting Kenneth Walker III, Jeremiyah Love | ProFootballNetwork.com​

Yahoo’s Matt Harmon tweeted “So much smoke around the Giants wanting to add a back this offseason and way too many available names in free agency, before you even consider the draft, to think an addition isn’t coming. Maybe I’m wrong but it feels like it would be a surprise if Skattebo doesn’t at least face steep competition atop the depth chart coming training camp.”

NFL insider JP Acosta added “It makes sense tbh. Skattebo coming off an injury and isn’t as explosive as Walker/Love. Even if they don’t get those guys I think they’re gonna bring in some competition in that room.”
Click to expand...

NFL mock draft: Projecting every NY Giants selection post-Combine | The Record​

Round 4, Pick 105: Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame. The 6-foot-4, 222-pound Fields had a coming-out party on the practice fields leading up to the Senior Bowl, displaying the size and the speed to stand out among all playmakers. The Giants will likely add at least one receiver in free agency – keep an eye on the Packers’ Romeo Doubs, the Vikings’ Jalen Nailor and the Chiefs’ Tyquan Thornton, who could be on the verge of a breakout – and Wan’Dale Robinson could exit as a pending free agent. They could go for a weapon earlier in the draft, but Fields is a potential sleeper.
Click to expand...

Around the league​


Washington Commanders are releasing CB Marshon Lattimore | Hogs Haven

A.J. Brown’s camp has done recon on potential landing spots | Bleeding Green Nation

Colts are trying to sign QB Daniel Jones before Tuesday tag deadline | Pro Football Talk

Lions trading RB David Montgomery to Texans in exchange for OL Juice Scruggs, multiple draft picks | NFL.com

Texans trade starting RT Tytus Howard to Browns, source says | ESPN.com

Vikings eyeing Aaron Jones, Javon Hargrave as release candidates: Sources | The Athletic

Chiefs to release tackle Jawaan Taylor, per reports, ending three-year tenure after monster contract | CBSSports.com

Maxx Crosby trade rumors: Raiders expected to deal pass rusher this week | SB Nation

BBV mailbag​


Have a Giants-related question? E-mail it to [email protected] and it might be featured in our weekly mailbag.

BBV on social media​


BBV on X: Follow @BigBlueView | Ed Valentine: @Valentine_Ed |

Threads: @ed.valentine

Bluesky: @edvalentine

BBV on Facebook: Click here to like the Big Blue View Facebook page

BBV on YouTube: Subscribe to the Big Blue View YouTube channel

BBV on Instagram: Click here to follow our Instagram page
Click to expand...

Source: https://www.bigblueview.com/new-yor...ade-sets-jermaine-eluemunors-free-agent-value
 
NY Giants draft 2026: How the NFL Scouting Combine changed mock drafts

gettyimages-2263804128.jpg

Sonny Styles | Getty Images

With the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in the rearview mirror, thoughts on some of the top prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft have evolved. That means post-Combine mock drafts looks different than earlier ones.

Let’s look at a handful of post-Combine mock drafts from some of the major players in the NFL Draft media to see how things may have changed for the New York Giants.

Jordan Reid (ESPN)​


Reid posted a two-round mock draft on Tuesday.

Round 1 (No. 5) — Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State​


Reid writes:

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.
Click to expand...

This, of course, is the same thing I did in my most recent mock draft. By the time we get to our weekly mock draft tracker on Friday I think Styles to the Giants is going to emerge as a trend in mock drafts.

An interesting non-Giants note in Reid’s mock draft is that he has Georgia left tackle Morgan Freeling going No. 6 to the Cleveland Browns after an impressive Combine. Freeling is OT1 in this class. He has Francis Mauigoa of Miami going No. 11 to the Miami Dolphins, and Spencer Fano of Utah falling to the Carolina Panthers all the way down at No. 19.

Round 2 (No. 37) — Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State​


Reid writes:

If the Giants can’t re-sign right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor, they could pivot to a younger option. Iheanachor makes a lot of sense here as a right tackle to protect Jaxson Dart. Iheanachor is a high-upside player who’s still growing into the position after not playing football in high school.
Click to expand...

When he saw this mock draft, BBV’s Chris Pflum messaged me that this draft would be a “home run.” I agree, IF the Giants don’t re-sign Eluemunor. If they re-sign the veteran right tackle, I would prefer one of the top two guards left on the board, Emmanuel Pregnon of Oregon or Chase Bisontis of Texas A&M. Or, a different position entirely.

The Athletic (NFL executives)​


While at the Combine, the Athletic’s Mike Sando polled a general manger, two assistant GMs, and a VP of player personnel for their top picks. Following is how the Round 1 consensus ended up for the Giants.

Round 1 (No. 5) — Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami​


Per Sando, three of the four executives chose Mauigoa.

An exec who questioned New England’s selection of left tackle Will Campbell at No. 4 last year thought the offensive tackles atop this draft were safer picks.

“The New England guy was limited physically,” this exec said. “These guys (Mauigoa and Spencer Fano) are not.”
Click to expand...

For context, here is the executives’ consensus top 10:

  1. Las Vegas Raiders — Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
  2. New York Jets — Arvell Reese, LB/Edge, Ohio State
  3. Arizona Cardinals — David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech
  4. Tennessee Titans — Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
  5. Giants — Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
  6. Cleveland Browns — Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
  7. Washington Commanders — Reuben Bain, Edge, Miami
  8. New Orleans Saints — Makai Lemon, WR, USC
  9. Kansas City Chiefs — Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
  10. Cincinnati Bengals — Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

I can’t even talk about the Giants’ pick here. I am literally stunned that neither Styles nor Ohio State safety Caleb Downs are in this top 10.

Trevor Sikkema (PFF)​

Round 1 (No. 5) — Carnell Tate, WR, Miami​


Sikkema writes:

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.
Click to expand...

I get it. Mauigoa went No. 3 to Arizona in Sikkema’s mock, and Styles went No. 4 to the Titans. I would prefer Downs here, but that’s me. This is certainly a defensible selection that will make the Giants better.

Lance Zierlein (NFL)​

Round 1 (No. 5) — Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee​


Zierlein writes:

The Giants take a swing on a high-upside cornerback who missed the entire 2025 season while recovering from an ACL tear.
Click to expand...

Zierlein has left the reservation here. The only defense is that he gave LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane to the Titans at No. 4.

Still, McCoy can’t be the pick this early. His tape is fantastic and he might end up being a great player, but he did not play in 2025 because of a torn ACL and then refused to get on the field at the Combine and show teams he was healthy. This after some reports that he was practicing with the Volunteers last fall and has been healthy for quite some time.

As much as I like what I have seen of the player, and he might have been CB1 in the draft had he played last season, you just can’t take him here.

Downs, Mauigoa, Styles, Tate, Lemon, and Love all still on the board.
Click to expand...

Source: https://www.bigblueview.com/new-yor...scouting-combine-changed-mock-draft-landscape
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top