NY Giants 6-round mock draft: Trade down yields stunning result for New York

Chiefs GM Brett Veach | Getty Images We are now less than a month away from the 2026 NFL Draft. That means things are getting serious. Still, there is a bit of time to play with potential scenarios for the New York Giants first draft with John Harbaugh as head coach. With that in mind, we are playin

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What is the story about?

We are now less than a month away from the 2026 NFL Draft. That means things are getting serious. Still, there is a bit of time to play with potential scenarios for the New York Giants first draft with John Harbaugh as head coach.

With that in mind, we are playing with a scenario we have yet to play out in this cycle. I am using the Pro Football and Sports Network simulator, with the “consensus” big board offering me player options. Previous weekly mock drafts have been four rounds, but this one will

be a full six.

Let’s get to it.

Round 1 (No. 5) — TRADE!!

Giants get: Picks 9 and 29 in Round 1 (Value received per Rich Hill trade chart: 589 points)
Kansas City Chiefs get: Pick No. 5 (Value sent to Chiefs: 468 points)

This is not the first time in one of these mock drafts that I have traded to No. 9 with the Chiefs. It is the first time I have gotten both of Kansas City’s first-round picks in return.

Linebacker Sonny Styles, safety Caleb Downs, cornerback Mansoor Delane, wide receiver Carnell Tate, and offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa were all on the board here at No. 5. Running back Jeremiyah Love was already gone. Picking Styles would have been the easy thing to do, and what I probably would do if this were real life. It is a scenario, though, so I will make the trade and play it out.

The Chiefs picked edge defender Reuben Bain Jr. after moving up to No. 5.

Round 1 (No. 9) — Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

I was stunned to see Styles still on the board at No. 9. I was tempted to restart the draft when that happened because I believe this to be highly unlikely, but this was the second time in recent days I ran a trade down scenario and Styles fell to me. I couldn’t turn down the gift.

Here is what happened in picks six through nine:

No. 6 (Browns) — WR Makai Lemon
No. 7 (Commanders) — S Caleb Downs
No. 8 (Saints) — CB Mansoor Delane

I would have been happy with Downs or Delane here. To be honest, I probably could sleep well landing Tate, Mauigoa, or even Ioane in this spot. To get Styles AND an additional first-round pick is a home run. Why did the simulator give Lemon to the Browns? No clue, except it’s a simulator.

Todd McShay of The Ringer lists Styles as the No. 2 prospect on his Big Board. Here is part of McShay’s scouting report:

Styles checks all the boxes when it comes to intangibles, production, upside, and tape, and he has the frame and traits to make more of an impact as an edge rusher in the NFL than he did in college.

He has a rare blend of size, speed, and athletic ability. His 40 time, 10-yard split, vertical jump, and broad jump were all ranked first or tied for first among all linebackers at the combine. His 43.5-inch vertical jump was the highest by an off-ball linebacker at the combine since 2003. He’s tall enough to see into the backfield, which helps him locate and track the ball, and he has excellent range.

He knocks blockers back when he plays downhill and has long arms to keep them off his frame. He holds his ground when teams run at him. He can still improve getting off his blocks once engaged, but he’s shown he can shed them in time to make plays. He’s a powerful tackler who meets and wraps up ballcarriers in the hole, and he cut down his number of missed tackles in 2025. He closes well when he rushes from depth and off the edge. He overpowers running backs. He can win with his hands and flashes speed to power. He’s a strong hitter who separates receivers from the ball, and he has the traits to match up with backs and tight ends in man coverage.

Styles is one of the top five prospects in this class, and he has a chance to be the first off-ball linebacker drafted in the top five since Tampa Bay drafted Devin White fifth in 2019.

Styles is a plug-and-play starter with All-Pro potential.

Other players considered: WR Carnell Tate; WR Jordan Tyson; OL Francis Mauigoa; G Vega Ioane

Round 1 (No. 29) — Omar Cooper, WR, Indiana

Earlier in the draft process I had not really thought about Cooper as a player who could go this early. At 37, maybe. Still, here we are and with the board as it is his selection makes sense.

Cooper is the 26th-ranked prospect on the NFL Mock Draft Database Big Board. McShay has the former Indiana Hoosier as the 17th-ranked player on his Big Board. McShay says:

An average-sized, versatile receiver with inside-out flexibility, Cooper is ultracompetitive, tough, and reliable, and he excels at generating yards after the catch. He shows good but not elite speed on tape. What really stands out is his combination of lower-body strength, contact balance, and body control. He has excellent ball skills, with just five drops in three seasons, and he has zero fear working over the middle.

… he is a highly effective route runner who knows how to manipulate defensive backs with leverage and route tempo. He also shows a savvy feel for finding space in zone coverage … His combination of lower-body strength and body control makes him difficult to tackle after the catch—he forced 27 missed tackles in 2025. … Cooper is one of the top five WR prospects in the 2026 draft class. He’s likely to come off the board in the middle portion of Round 1 after Carnell Tate, Makai Lemon, and Jordyn Tyson … He reminds me a lot of a faster Jarvis Landry.

The Giants have Darius Slayton, Darnell Mooney, and Calvin Austin to support Malik Nabers. It is possible, though, that none of those players is with the Giants beyond the 2026 season. Getting a player who could grow into a role as a reliable second wide receiver seems like a good idea.

Other players considered: CB Colton Hood; CB Brandon Cisse; S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren

Round 2 (No. 37) — TRADE!!

Giants get: Picks 40 and 109 (Round 4) | Value received per Rich Hill trade chart: 179 points)
Chiefs get: Picks 37 and 193 | Value sent to Chiefs: 167 points

Yup, the Chiefs came calling again. And, I obliged again. I have no idea if this is realistic, but I know that moving down a couple of spots and adding another 2026 mid-round selection would be an awesome outcome for the Giants. Remember, they do not possess a third-round pick.

Round 2 (No. 40) — Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon

I find myself defaulting to selecting a guard in Round 2 now almost every time I run a mock draft. By now, it has become muscle memory.

Sometimes, I choose Oregon’s Pregon. Sometimes, I choose Chase Bistonis of Texas A&M. Bisontis seems to be slightly higher on most big boards than Pregnon, but I am drawn to Pregnon’s power.

Danny Kelly of The Ringer says:

Rugged, wide-bodied guard with the power, length, and reliability to be a plug-and-play starter.

Pregnon is a stout, powerfully built, and highly experienced guard prospect who brings the potential to be a high-floor starter in the pros. A transfer to Oregon in 2025 after stops at USC and Wyoming, he is a four-year starter with over 3,000 career snaps—with the vast majority at left guard (and one season at right guard). Pregnon blocks with a wide, balanced base and keeps his feet moving to mirror and react to rushers. He brings a strong punch that shocks opponents and works his hands to counter pass rush moves and maintain his grip on a pass rusher’s chest. He drops a heavy anchor and knocks blitzers back as they try to scoot through his gap. He shows excellent awareness for stunts and reacts quickly, flashing a feel for helping out the center or tackle when he’s uncovered; he squeezes down and lends a hand in support until he needs to disengage to pick up someone in front of him. He surrendered just one sack on 1,536 pass block snaps over the past three seasons, per PFF. In the run game, he fires out of his stance with good leverage and plenty of pop. He drives opposing linemen off the line and plows out run lanes. He shows the ability to sustain blocks, using strong hands to latch on and control opponents at the point of attack.

In. a vacuum, would you prefer Bisontis or Pregnon?

NY Giants 2026 NFL Draft scouting report: Emmanuel Pregnon, OG, Oregon

Other players considered: Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech; Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State; Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas; Chase Bisontis, OG, Texas A&M

Round 4 (No. 105) — Julian Neal, CB, Arkansas

One of my favorite cornerbacks in this class, and a good mid-round value right here at a position of need. A big, physical cornerback who might fit what the Giants are looking for with Harbaugh and Dennard Wilson.

Here is the PFSN scouting report:

Julian Neal was one of the more notable risers of the 2025 regular season, and he’s now positioned as a compelling Day 2 prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft. At 6’2″, 208 pounds, Neal has the desired size-athleticism combo among NFL teams, and he’s quietly a very complete prospect past the physical profile. Even at his size, Neal has eye-catching explosiveness, reactive athleticism, and coil, and he can weaponize his quickness and hip fluidity to mirror WRs in press and off-man, as well as match route concepts in zone.

He’s an effective playmaker at the catch point, and he’s ultra-reliable in run support, with keen instincts for resetting his base, engaging blocks, and securing stops as a solo tackler. He might not have elite vertical speed or swivel fluidity, and his plant-and-drive footwork still stands to improve — all of which leave him somewhat susceptible to big plays at times when his recovery fails him — but aside from that, there aren’t many holes to poke in his game. As a long and quick cover man with technical variability and rock-solid support chops, Neal has quality starter potential.

Other players considered: Will Lee III, CB, Texas A&M; Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington; Bryce Lance, WR, North Dakota State; Jalon Kilgore, S, South Carolina; Chris McClellan, DT, Missouri; Isaiah World, OT, Oregon

Round 4 (No. 109) — Chris McClellan, DT, Missouri

I would love to have addressed the defensive line earlier, but did not see the right value. Big Blue View’s Chris Pflum would likely endorse this pick. In his McClellan Prospect Profile, Chris wrote:

McClellan projects as a rotational defensive tackle with scheme diversity and three-down upside at the NFL level. He can play in a 2, 3, or 4 man front, as well as be a 2-gapping run stuffer or a disruptive penetrator.

He may not take over games at his best, however he can be a complete handful for individual blockers, control multiple gaps, and blow up plays in the backfield. McClellan has the potential to become a starting defensive tackle and an every-down, or perhaps “any-down” contributor, however he’ll need to improve his leverage consistency to reach his ceiling.

If he can improve his consistency in pad level, as well as hand usage, he has the potential to be a good starting tackle who can make an impact for just about any defense commonly called in the NFL.

The 6-foot-4 313-pound McClellan is No. 97 on McShay’s Big Board.

Other players considered: Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington; Jalon Kilgore, S, South Carolina; Isaiah World, OT, Oregon

Round 5 (No. 145) — Tim Keenan, DT, Alabama

No, I did not intend to draft back-to-back defensive tackles. It just turned out that I felt Keenan was the best value on the board for the Giants here.

If you have been reading my mock drafts each week, you understand by now that one of my beliefs is that the Giants need a better nose tackle than D.J. Davidson to help the run defense when Dexter Lawrence is off the field. That is the role I envision for the 6-foot-1, 327-pound Keenan.

Sports Info Solutions says:

Tim Keenan III projects as a backup nose tackle in a base 3-4 defense that would best be tasked with two-gapping against the run, but he can flex out to a 3-tech in a 4-man front. Against the run, he shows a good anchor to sit at the point of attack and clog up run lanes. He can wall up and leverage against double teams to not give up much ground. He has the flexibility and toughness to recover from awkward positions and rarely gets pushed to the ground. He has the functional strength to throw off blockers and make a tackle. He does not have a great pass rushing ability. His lack of arm length limits his ability to keep offensive lineman off his pads and stand him up. His hand usage is minimal and he does not offer a lot of other pass rush moves other than a bull rush to attempt to get into the interior of the pocket. He does have the athleticism to be used in stunts and shows some burst when he has a free lane to create pressure on the QB.

You’ll notice in the video below that Keenan even has his own version of the Sexy Dexy dance.

Round 6 (No. 186) — Travis Burke, OT, Memphis

There is never anything wrong with taking a late-round flier on an offensive lineman. You think a guy who is 6-foot-8¾, 325 pounds might get Harbaugh’s attention?

Burke is a player the Giants have met with and should have excellent intel on because former Giant David Diehl is the assistant offensive line coach at Memphis.

Sports Info Solutions says:

Travis Burke projects as a backup right tackle, best suited as a seal blocker in a power-run scheme. He possesses a massive frame and very long arms, but needs to add strength in both his upper and lower body. Though he has natural athleticism, his movements sometimes lack the fluidity required for consistent play. As a pass protector, Burke uses his length well, timing a reliable punch to keep defenders at bay. His hand placement requires improved consistency, highlighted by numerous career penalties. His vertical set drop is sufficient, although he is vulnerable to speed rushers along the perimeter and inside counter moves. His anchor has improved, with continued room to add mass.

In the run game, as a seal blocker, he utilizes his frame to hold the POA. He shows awareness for zone blocking, but lacks the fluidity to work cleanly to the 2nd level. Burke is a willing, aggressive finisher who aims to bury defenders. He struggles to generate noticeable drive off the line, instead relying on combo blocking and finishing to open lanes. Though he has experience at both tackle spots, his vulnerabilities against speed rushers and their developed counters currently limit his projection to right tackle.

NY Giants NFL Draft meetings tracker 2026: Players the Giants have met with

Round 6 (No. 192) — Adam Randall, RB, Clemson

This is a nod to Chris, who told me a while back that he will “never not pick” Randall if the 6-foot-3, 232-pound back is available in the sixth round of a mock draft.

In his prospect profile, Chris writes:

Adam Randall is raw as a running back, and only has limited tape at the position. That may depress his draft stock, but it could also serve to make him a hidden gem and a steal for the team that eventually takes him.

Randall has great size, very good vision, and the athleticism to make full use of that vision. Likewise, he has enough speed to break long runs once he’s able to find the open field. Additionally, his background as a wide receiver makes him a very dangerous weapon out of the backfield. Randall is simply too big – and his contact balance is too good – for off-ball linebackers and defensive backs to bring him down easily.

He obviously still needs development, but Randall has real upside for the team that invests in him.

Here is a scouting report from Lance Zierlein of NFL.com:

Overview

Randall, a former wide receiver, is new to his position, but his blend of size, top-end speed and pass-catching ability make him an intriguing prospect. He’s an upright long-strider with surprising one-cut quickness and home-run potential. He doesn’t run with pro-level rhythm, recognition or timing, but improvement awaits. He’s willful once he’s downhill, using balance and force to maximize yardage after collisions. His receiving skills create mismatches against man coverage and allow for alignment versatility. Randall is still raw, but RBs with his size, speed and route skill are rare. He offers value as a developmental option with RB2 upside in a zone-heavy scheme.

Strengths

Tremendous blend of size and top-end speed.

Improved at following blocks as season progressed.

One-cut runner who can plant and cut sharply on outside-zone carries.

Presses forward through contact for tough yardage and touchdowns.

Former wideout with alignment and route versatility.

Separates from linebackers and catches with soft hands.

Has experience to project as a viable kick returner.

Weaknesses

Upright runner getting through the line of scrimmage.

Can be clunky with his feet when stacking cuts.

Displays indecisiveness without a clear point of entry.

Struggles to make decisions moving at top speed.

Suffered ACL tear (2022), broken hand (2023) and stress fracture in toe (2024).

Has yet to show improved technique/toughness in blitz protection.

Maybe the Giants could stash a kid like this on the practice squad and get something from him down the line a bit. It certainly isn’t difficult to see Harbaugh being intrigued by a back with his athletic profile.