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.
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.
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.
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.
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