We know the Giants could use the fifth overall pick on a former Ohio State player like wide receiver Carnell Tate, linebacker Sonny Styles, or safety Caleb Downs, who would all be significant upgrades to Big Blue’s roster.
By the way, am I the only one just realizing that Caleb’s father, Gary, played running back for the G-Men in ‘94 and ‘96? If that doesn't scream future Giant, what does? You can’t go wrong with any of these Ohio State guys at pick No. 5, as they all would be huge boosts.
The Giants have other options as well at pick No. 5, such as drafting a running back like Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love, who they’ve expressed interest in at the NFL Combine, to their already explosive backfield of Cam Skattebo and Tyrone Tracy. This may come as a surprise to many, myself included, but you never know what John Harbaugh and Joe Schoen have up their sleeve.
Big Blue could also trade out of its first-round pick and move down in the first round. The specific plans of Harbaugh and Schoen remain unknown in what is considered a very deep draft class, but these guys are prepared to make smart choices with this pick. Now, let’s discuss some of the Giants' other picks in this year’s NFL Draft that aren’t getting talked about enough.
The G-Men should take a “Howie Roseman” approach when selecting players later in the draft. The Eagles' GM is notorious for building Philadelphia’s roster through the NFL Draft, specifically finding talent and hidden gems in the later rounds or later in the first round that end up playing a huge role for the team.
Roseman is known for capitalizing on other teams' mistakes and drafting players who are overlooked and whose stock has fallen, which has worked very well for them in recent years. I mean, it practically won them a Super Bowl two years ago.
Drafting players like Quinyon Mitchell (2024, 22nd overall pick), Jihaad Campbell (2025, 31st overall pick), and Cooper DeJean (2024, 40th overall pick) has significantly benefited the Eagles and given them a defensive advantage.
Outside of pick No. 5, the Giants have picks No. 37, 105, 143, 184, 190, and 191. Big Blue does not have a third-round pick this year, as they traded it to the Houston Texans in the deal that helped them land Jaxson Dart in last year’s draft at pick No. 25.
At No. 37 in the second round, the Giants could target Tennessee defensive back Colton Hood, whose combine featured a 4.44 40-yard dash, 1.58 10-yard split, 40.5" vertical, and 10'5" broad jump. He could have a similar impact in New York that DeJean had in Philly in his first season.
At Tennessee last season, Hood had 50 total tackles (34 solo), one forced fumble, one interception, and eight passes defended. He’s a very talented prospect who could fall to the Giants in the second round and could be an excellent option if New York doesn’t address the cornerback position in the first round.
Hood exemplifies the type of Howie Roseman pick that would make sense for the Giants, but he’s just one example of the type of player the G-Men could be looking for as the draft progresses. Hidden gems can be found in the later rounds, so Harbaugh and Schoen must keep their eyes peeled when they are on the clock.
Consider it “Written In Blue.”