The 2026 NFL Draft is in the books and we have seven new New York Giants to get to know. But there’s plenty of time for all that later.
Now we have the thing everyone was waiting all weekend for: The SB Nation 2027 Mock Draft courtesy of James Dator.
Dator seems to be predicting a very competitive NFC East this year, and a division that chews itself up rather than producing one dominant team. He has the Giants finishing 3rd in the NFC East. He has a bit more faith in the Giants than Las Vegas does,
with FanDuel having the Giants as the least-likely team to win the NFC East.
drafting 14th overall. That’s just one spot ahead of the Washington Commanders at 13th overall and two spots behind the Cowboys’ pick at 16th overall (held by the Jets after the Quinnen Williams trade).
He also has the Eagles once again being one-and-done in the playoffs, landing the 23rd pick.
So now that we know about what the board looks like, let’s get to the pick.
14. Jordan Ross, DL, LSU
Ross is a sophomore who originally signed with Tennessee in the 2023 recruiting cycle, but is transferring to LSU to play under Lane Kiffin for the 2026 season.
James didn’t include an explanation for the pick, so I’ll link to Ross’ recruiting evaluations from high school to give some background on the player before we get to my reaction.
Athletic EDGE prospect with the physical ability to develop into a dangerous pass rusher. Measured in 6-foot-4.5, 215 pounds with a 33.5-inch arm prior to his senior season. Registers as a top athlete in the combine setting. Lines up all over the field for his high school. Works on the edge and as an off-ball linebacker at times. Makes most of his plays as a pursuit defender, using his athleticism and range to track down plays from sideline-to-sideline. Has palpable burst and play speed. Needs to improve his technical skill as a pass rusher and increase his play strength, base and anchor. Flashes his athleticism as a basketball player.
Verified at 6-foot-4 plus and 215-pounds in February of 2023, appears to possess growth potential to add an additional 20 to 25-pounds to his frame at the next level. Flashes outstanding athleticism off the edge as a 3-4 standup outside linebacker.
Displays an explosive first step off the line of scrimmage and flashes elite initial foot and body quickness at the point of attack. Fluid athlete with exceptional play speed and agility. Shows the ability to bend the edge and possesses good burst to close ability. Demonstrates excellent lateral change of direction ability and exhibits the ability to play in space both on the line of scrimmage and lined up as an off-ball linebacker.
Shows the ability to consistently win with speed and athleticism off the perimeter. Displayed improved play strength and play speed off the edge as a senior, showing the ability to win with speed to power at the ponit of attack and anchor against the run game.
Projects as a 3-4 OLB at the next level with ability to develop into one of the game’s most prolific pass rushers early in his development as well as a potential Top-16 NFL Draft choice. Rare combination of speed, athleticism and length make him one of the most intriguing pass rushers in the cycle as he only appears to be scratching the surface of his physical and technical upside. Expect some early returns on investment at the next level.
Chris’ thoughts
My first thought: Why? James… Why?
Yes, Kayvon Thibodeaux is in the final year of his rookie contract and the Giants seem to have a plan for accumulating explosive, hyper-athletic pass rushers and turning them loose. And yes, pass rushing edge defenders are incredibly valuable with a rare skill set that demands investment. This is a quarterback driven league and everything flows from the quarterback, either his ability to attack or manipulate the defense or the defender’s ability to disrupt the quarterback.
And no position directly impacts quarterback play like pass rushers, that’s why the rest of the NFL is so desperate for them.
But getting an edge defender in five years out of six? That’s vaulting right past “valuing” the position and landing somewhere between “meme” and “creepily obsessed”.
I could understand it if Dator gave the Giants a defensive tackle (David Stone of Oklahoma is the next one off the board), or perhaps a cornerback with Paulson Adebo approaching free agency. Wide receiver could be in play as well, with Malik Nabers entering the 3rd year of his rookie contract.
Interior offensive line has to be a consideration as well with both Jon Runyan Jr. and John Michael Schmitz entering the final year of their respective contracts. Though wouldn’t be surprised if Schmitz continues to improve with Sisi Mauigoa next to him and earns a contract extension (and Thibodeaux as well, under Dennard Wilson).
Personally, I expect the Giants to be in playoff contention this year, whether that’s for the Wild Card or winning the NFC East outright. So the “Best Player Available (at a position of need)” philosophy should be in full effect.
However, I even have a hard time believing that Ross is the best player available on Dator’s (very early) board. He was a part time player at Tennessee who never played more than 33 snaps in any game, and had just 249 total snaps last year. Ross didn’t even produce that much, with 23 total tackles, 1.5 sacks (both of which came in one game), 2 QB hits, and 9 hurries.
So yeah, I’m struggling with this one.
Other Way Too Early mock drafts
CBS Sports – No. 11 overall – Ellis Robinson IV, CB, Georgia
ProFootballFocus – No. 11 overall – David Stone, iDL, Oklahoma
USA Today – No. 8 overall – Cam Coleman, WR, Texas
NFL Mocks – No. 5 overall – Ryan Williams, WR, Alabama
Matthew Berry – No. 11 overall – KJ Bolden, S, Georgia
