The New York Giants have made sweeping changes to the roster and staff this offseason, but the rebuild isn't complete quite yet. While fans look for improvements from rising stars like Jaxson Dart, Cam Skattebo, and Abdul Carter, Big Blue's scouts will be scoping out the next generation of dominant prospects.
One collegiate defender is already being connected with the G-Men. In a recent 2027 NFL mock draft, Justin Melo of NFL Draft On SI paired Oklahoma defensive tackle David Stone with the Giants.
It's far too early to pencil him in, but Stone could be the missing piece in New York's defensive front.
New York Giants select Oklahoma DT David Stone in 2027 NFL Mock Draft
Before breaking down the pick, we have to celebrate the idea that the Giants would finally be picking outside of the top ten in the draft (they're 11th in Melo's exercise).
After pairing Stone with the G-Men, Melo said, "The New York Giants traded Dexter Lawrence prior to the 2026 NFL Draft, creating a hole for themselves at defensive tackle. They did not spend a premium pick to replace him, so it's trending towards being a high priority in 2027. Oklahoma's David Stone is a prospect who is in store for a massive season, because he generates eye-popping power as a well-balanced pass rusher and run stopper."
There's no reversing the Lawrence trade (we wouldn't want to), but the Giants now have an obvious need for a defensive tackle to build around. DJ Reader was a valuable offseason addition, but at 32 years old, he's not a long-term solution on the interior.
Stone could be the perfect solution for the G-Men if he has a strong year in 2026. He produced 1.5 sacks and eight tackles for loss in his second season at Oklahoma. While his production doesn't jump off the page, the young defender is an anchor in run defense for the Sooners. He could become the natural Reader replacement the Giants need moving forward.
ESPN ranked Stone as the No. 4 defensive tackle in the class, but he's the second player at the position to come off the board in Melo's mock draft.
It's important to note that Stone is entering just his third season at Oklahoma. He will be eligible for the 2027 NFL Draft, but he may choose to return to school for another season. In the modern NIL era, it's impossible to predict which prospects will choose to enter the NFL early.
If he is available, the Giants should take a close look at Stone.
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