To trade the first overall pick, or not to trade? That is the question the New York Giants might have to ask themselves if they end up with the first overall pick in the 2026 Draft. Instead of 'win and you're in', it's 'lose and then choose.'
The G-Men are in a good spot for the No. 1 pick if they play their cards right, and the easiest way to get it is by simply losing out. If they do, expect them to field offers from quarterback-needy teams desperate to land a franchise QB. Big Blue already has theirs in Jaxson Dart, which gives them tons of leverage.
Related: Giants’ grip on No. 1 pick got unexpected help from a place fans never expected
That’s exactly what CBS Sports’ Mike Renner has the G-Men doing in his latest mock draft. He has the Giants swinging a once-in-a-lifetime, franchise-altering trade with the Jets, who select Indiana quarterback and Heisman Award winner Fernando Mendoza. The Giants score the fifth overall pick, the 18th pick, and the lowest of Gang Green's 2027 first-round picks.
Completely fleecing their little brother, while setting themselves up for a monster future... maybe tanking doesn't sound all that bad after all.
Giants turn No. 1 pick into full draft haul in latest 2026 mock
Renner has the Giants selecting Arizona State's Jordyn Tyson and Clemson's Peter Woods with the fifth and 18th picks, respectively. Tyson is CBS Sports' top-ranked wide receiver, and Woods is their top-ranked defensive lineman, making this one of the most objectively awesome hauls in team history.
The 6-foot-2 wideout from ASU would instantly help form one of the scariest receiver rooms in the league. A trio of Tyson, Malik Nabers, and Wan'Dale Robinson would give Dart all the help he needs to fulfill his destiny as Big Blue's next great signal-caller.
Tyson is the former teammate of Giants rookie running back Cam Skattebo. Together, the pair dragged the Sun Devils out of the Pac-12 basement and into the Big 12 Championship in just one season. Imagine what the duo could accomplish with a healthy Nabers, Dart, Theo Johnson, and Andrew Thomas. The offense would instantly be respected again.
With the Woods selection, the G-Men snag another Clemson defensive standout who slipped on draft night, just like Dexter Lawrence did seven years earlier, and pair the two together. Not six months ago, you couldn't find a mock draft with the ACC standout outside of the top five. However, a lackluster junior season could see him tumble down the draft board.
Fans would have to wait and see what the Giants do with that extra 2027 first-rounder, but between the cap space and two more firsts on top of landing Tyson and Woods, NY could be in a great spot. Now they just need to slop through the final three games, secure the No. 1 pick, and hope to fleece a team like the Jets come April.