Giants find Dexter Lawrence’s replacement with physically-gifted prospect in latest 2027 mock draft
Oklahoma defensive tackle David Stone could be a high-ceiling long-term option for the Giants’ defensive interior.
The New York Giants addressed a glaring long-term need along the interior defensive line in A to Z Sports’ latest 2027 NFL mock draft. National College Football writer Ryan Roberts published the exercise earlier this week, slotting the Giants at the 11th overall pick and pairing them with Oklahoma defensive tackle David Stone. The selection would give New York a physically-dominant upfront presence to fill the void left by the Dexter Lawrence trade.
“There’s a possibility that Stone goes a bit higher than this next April. He’s one of the most physically gifted overall prospects in the class but still needs some technical refinements. He’s a ball of chaos And if his maturation as a technician ever meets his physical profile, then he has a chance to be a superstar.” — Ryan Roberts
The Giants need long-term interior defensive line help
That would potentially be a smart selection for the Giants because, while the front office attempted to replace Lawrence after trading him earlier this offseason to the Cincinnati Bengals, all of those efforts were essentially short-term fixes. Most of the players currently rostered at the position are on expiring contracts. Roy Robertson-Harris is in the final year of his deal, along with Shelby Harris, Zacch Pickens, Marlon Davidson, Leki Fotu, and Josh Tupou. Ben Barton is also in the final year of his contract.
DJ Reader is under contract through 2027, and Darius Alexander carries a longer deal through 2028. Rookie Bobby Jamison-Travis is under contract through 2029. But the broader picture reveals a roster that lacks a true long-term solution at interior defensive line, the kind of player who can anchor the position for years rather than serve as a bridge.
What David Stone brings
Stone is a 6-foot-3, 315-pound defensive tackle who has been at Oklahoma since 2024. Last season with the Sooners, he recorded 42 total tackles, including eight tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and a pass defended. The production paired with his physical tools makes him the type of prospect who could develop into a foundational piece for defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson’s structure.
This is a way-too-early exercise, and the Giants’ exact draft position remains unclear. The range could shift depending on how the season plays out, but if the Giants land around the top 10, adding a player of Stone’s caliber would be massive for the franchise’s long-term planning at interior defensive line.
