The New York Giants made a lot of moves in free agency, opening the door for a strong 2026 Draft to push this team closer to the playoffs than it’s been in a while.
The first week of free agency is in the books, and the Giants were active in upgrading the roster. They did a lot to reshape the offense, bringing in tight end Isaiah Likely, wide receivers Darnell Mooney and Calvin Austin III, and fullback Patrick Ricard. They even brought in linebacker Tremaine Edmunds on defense and punter Jordan Stout on special teams, signaling an overall culture change.
It wasn't perfect -- they still need secondary help (especially at cornerback) and didn’t upgrade the defensive line or the interior offensive line, even though those were arguably their biggest holes. Calais Campbell, Christian Wilkins, and D.J. Reader are still waiting to slot in next to Dexter Lawrence, while Joel Bitonio, Greg Van Roten, and Kevin Zeitler are waiting for the call to protect franchise quarterback Jaxson Dart. There are options.
Nonetheless, Big Blue has shown urgency to maximize its Dart-sized window, improving multiple spots that have needed a second look for years. Maybe Joe Schoen and the front office actually are all in on the John Harbaugh train this year, though there's still plenty of time between now and the draft to confirm.
Still, if this team is going to go anywhere this year, taking a good, hard look at cornerback at No. 5 would do wonders for this team, and one prospect stands out among the rest.
It’s getting harder to see the Giants going anywhere but Mansoor Delane at five
Harbaugh loves his defensive backs. In three of the past four drafts, the 63-year-old has spent a first-round pick on a DB -- Kyle Hamilton, Nate Wiggins, and Malaki Starks. For the most part, the strategy has worked out well, and bringing the same strategy to North Jersey could help unlock Dennard Wilson's new defense.
There are viable free agency options for Big Blue's other roster holes, but there is a clear need for a top-tier cornerback, even after signing Greg Newsome II. Paulson Adebo didn't look the part in his first year in Giants blue, Cor'Dale Flott -- their best corner last year -- is gone, and Deonte Banks is borderline unplayable. Elite corners can turn a team around instantly, and Delane is that kind of guy.
Wilson's defense requires the CBs to press at the line, which is something the LSU standout is known for. The Maryland native is praised for his physicality at the line of scrimmage, fluid hips, and ability to mirror receivers, with scouting reports highlighting his effectiveness at disrupting releases. Sounds like the perfect prospect to add to an up-and-coming defense.
They could opt to draft linebacker Sonny Styles, safety Caleb Downs, or offensive lineman Francis Maugioa at No. 5, but considering the moves they've already made, Mansoor Delane feels like the Giants' most likely first-round choice.