Jaxson Dart, you, sir, are on your own for the foreseeable future. Just like how we drew it up. By not making a move at the trade deadline, the New York Giants essentially told their 22-year-old rookie quarterback that the internal development of the guys already on the roster will be enough.
Related:Giants' biggest loser from directionless trade deadline is painfully obvious
If only that were the case. Relying on receivers like Darius Slayton, Beaux Collins, Lil'Jordan Humphrey, and Jalin Hyatt is a recipe for disaster. Wan'Dale Robinson has stepped up in Malik Nabers' absence, but he's more one-trick pony than anything else.
It's easy to understand where the front office was coming from — they're 2-7, with not much going right, so why make a move in the short term for minor improvements, when they can punt that responsibility to the offseason. It's understandable, sure... but it's also infuriating that fans are already talking about the draft and it's not even Week 10. So here I am. Writing a mock draft article because that's just where this team is at this point in time. Again. For the third straight year.
With that said, using Pro Football Focus' mock draft simulator, here is our seven-round draft that emphasizes building a competitive roster around Dart.
Full Giants' 2026 mock draft post-trade deadline
The last time the G-Men selected a wide receiver with a top-10 pick, it worked out. I'm banking on that happening again. Ignoring receiver upgrades at the deadline, all but confirmed Big Blue is going wideout hunting in April. And ASU's Jordyn Tyson might be the best.
He has elite route running, burst, and separation skills, which would be a major improvement over this team's current receiver room. His ability to play all over the field makes him the perfect complement to Malik Nabers.
With Jermaine Eluemunor's contract status up in the air, New York could look for his replacement in Utah's Caleb Lomu. The 6-foot-6, 310-pounder is a natural athlete, but he comes with so much more than just physical traits, unlike some other big, athletic tackles this team has swung and missed on... **cough, Evan Neal, cough**
Lomu's size also comes with advanced hand technique and exceptional pass protection ability. He's fluid in his movement, making him a big asset along the offensive front.
Yes, this is a mock that's geared towards helping out Big Blue's 22-year-old signal-caller, but that doesn't mean I'm ignoring value when it's on the board. Malik Muhammad is a great get in Round 4. If 2025 has taught us anything, it's that New York can never have too much secondary help.
The 21-year-old plays outside and utilizes his footwork, athleticism, and high football IQ to his advantage in both man and zone coverage schemes. Think of the 6-footer as Deonte Banks' permanent replacement.
Let's get back to the trenches. It's safe to say the Jon Runyan and Greg Van Roten experiments have gone relatively fine, but No. 6 needs better than that. Roberts gets picked up here with the hope that his 6-foot-5, 325-pound size and brute strength deliver the inside stability this line hasn't had in years.
What's better than one interior stud? Bringing in another alongside him. He won't wow fans with his size — 6-foot-3, 300 pounds — but what he lacks in man, he makes up for with his high IQ. Pretty soon, the Giants are going to have a John Michael Schmitz extension dilemma. He hasn't played well enough to necessarily earn one, but they don't really have another option.
This move lights a fire under JMS, while also preparing for his potential exit if he can't handle the heat.
Late Day 3 picks typically aren't going to become game-changers, but TCU safety Bud Clark has the size and the ball skills to buck the trend. Standing at 6-foot-2, 190 pounds, he has the frame to put on more weight, rounding out his skillset. He has 13 interceptions in his career, making him a highlight-reel, boom-or-bust pickup late in the draft.
The hope is his knack for turnovers carries over into the pros, eventually replacing the slow-footed Tyler Nubin, who's getting exposed weekly.
Redzone. Redzone. Redzone. With the 192nd pick, the Giants won't expect much from this pick, so why not grab a guy who can help the offense in short yardage situations with ideal size — 6-foot-3 — and ability to separate and use his strong hands to secure passes?
If Beaux Collins, Lil'Jordan Humphrey, and Gunner Olszewski can make the 53-man roster and hear their numbers called, there's a chance Key could find a role early as an underrated chain-mover.