With the fifth pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the New York Giants select...
Does anyone have any guesses? According to the experts, it’s genuinely anyone’s guess at this point. Last week, major publications were playing tug-of-war with Big Blue’s pick. This week, they’re pulling it in four different directions.
The big question on Giants fans’ minds is what head coach John Harbaugh will prioritize come draft night. He’s recently been on a defensive backs kick during his time with the Baltimore Ravens, but if the Giants make the right moves in free agency, the 63-year-old could pivot toward helping out his 22-year-old franchise quarterback.
That uncertainty is exactly why the mocks are all over the place right now. To get a sense of just how scattered the thinking is, here are some names worth keeping in your back pocket.
Giants’ first-round pick is officially all over the mock draft map
Lance Zierlein (NFL.com) - CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
"Delane is a smothering presence outside with the ability to stay tight on all three levels and take the rock away." - Zierlein's analysis
Mansoor Delane has been a player I've been monitoring for a while. I had an inkling he'd be the pick before Harby was even hired, and not much has changed since then. Delane is the best cover and press corner in the class. He'd instantly upgrade the secondary in a way Big Blue's recent gambles haven't.
It doesn't hurt that Zierlein can see shades of Quinyon Mitchell in the Silver Spring, MD native.
Mike Renner (CBS Sports) - DE Keldric Faulk, Auburn
"Keldric Faulk may be listed as a defensive end, but his body type fits more like a defensive tackle in most NFL schemes today. At 6-foot-6 and 285 pounds, Faulk is a Calais Campbell-esque tweener who is already a handful in the run game. Slot him next to Dexter Lawrence, and the Giants' front four would be a terrifying group to block." - Renner's analysis
This pick would send Giants fans. Faulk is by no means a bad player, but it's hard to imagine a world where he lands with the G-Men at five. The 20-year-old lacks a clear position, which doesn't always bode well for the pros. Think Isaiah Simmons-esque or a Keion White-type.
Renner comparing Faulk to Calais Campbell makes the selection more palatable for sure, but I'm just not sold on a tweener being the pick here.
Trevor Sikkema (PFF) - WR Makai Lemon, USC
"It’s not often we see Lemon as the top wide receiver in a mock draft, but I am making a bit of a statement here because I think he should be right there in the conversation with Carnell Tate and Jordyn Tyson. ... Lemon earned a 91.4 PFF receiving grade overall and an 81.3 PFF receiving grade versus single coverage this past season." - Sikkema's analysis
Sikkema does a great sales job on Lemon's advanced numbers. Aside from the impressive analytics, there are a couple of other things happening in the background with this pick. Firstly, this would be a Dart-related pick that would also help Malik Nabers. Secondly, Wan'Dale Robinson would be gone if they were to make this pick.
Lemon is a slot receiver -- not a gadget slot guy -- a primary slot target who wins with elite separation skills, route running, and hands. The 21-year-old looks like the next Amon-Ra St. Brown, which could instantly form the most promising one-two receiver punch in the league.
Justin Melo (Draft Network) - OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami
"Given Dart's recurring injury issues throughout his rookie campaign, protecting him and keeping him upright is of the utmost importance. Right tackle Francis Mauigoa would form quite the bookend tandem with Andrew Thomas." - Melo's analysis
If Harbaugh feels his franchise quarterback took too many hits last year, shoring up the offensive line with someone who can hold down the fort and get to the second level of the defense in a hurry would make a lot of sense.
Unfortunately for Dart, his play style opens him up to taking unnecessary hits that are outside the pocket, so bringing in an athletic mauler like Francis Mauigoa makes a lot of sense. Moreover, Jermaine Eluemunor's upcoming free agency could leave the right side of the line completely barren, making Mauigoa a strong choice.
Until the Giants tip their hand in free agency, expect the mock drafts to keep pulling this pick apart. Nobody’s even close to being on the same page yet.