In Bleacher Report’s latest 2026 mock draft, the New York Giants stick to the status quo, staying put and using their selection when the fifth pick rolls around. It’s a far cry from the more exciting scenario of trading back and hoarding draft assets by the masses, but hey, you can’t win them all.
Instead of going nuclear, B/R has the current Giants solving future Giants’ Jermaine Eluemunor problem before it even starts by drafting Spencer Fano.
Bleacher Report has the Utah tackle as its top-ranked O-lineman in the class, and it’s easy to see why. He's got the perfect blend of size -- 6-foot-6, 308 pounds -- and athleticism, with the ability to pass-protect and run block at elite levels.
He’d be a strong fit in Carmen Bricillo’s offensive line room, which quietly turned in a solid season last year. More importantly, Fano would give the Giants a long-term building block to protect Jaxson Dart as they shape the offense around him.
With limited cap space and key extensions for Wan’Dale Robinson and Cor’Dale Flott coming up fast, adding Fano could give the Giants a much-needed out. If he locks down the right tackle spot, it would make moving on from a pricey Eluemunor contract far more justifiable
Drafting Spencer Fano almost makes too much sense for Giants
I can practically hear the "but the Giants need a wide receiver" crowd from here. And believe me, I don't objectively disagree. Nor do I disagree that selecting Fano -- widely regarded as a top-10 pick -- could be considered somewhat of a reach, especially for a guy who'll move to the right side.
But the dropoff from elite tackle vs. the dropoff from elite wide receiver is more drastic. And the Giants can still find a receiver for Dart on Days 2 and 3, but will struggle to find a lineman who can impact the game as much as Fano.
For those who still have some PTSD left over from the Evan Neal pick, I empathize. But shelling out a projected $16 million per season to a 31-year-old, and letting either their breakout 24-year-old cornerback or 25-year-old wide receiver walk, when secondary and playmaking have been major concerns, would be organizational malpractice.
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Given his age, Eluemunor's likely looking for one last longer(ish)-term contract and a payout. That just doesn't make sense for Big Blue's current timeline. Not when they can select his replacement in April's draft. Plus, if he does cash out with another team, that compensatory draft pick will have Giants fans feeling alright.
Is Fano my first choice at No. 5? Probably not. However, real decisions need to be made this offseason about the future of this franchise. And if the Giants are ever getting out of this bottomless pit, they have to be forward-thinking.