The New York Giants now hold the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after the Tennessee Titans beat the Cleveland Browns this week. They have all the power in this draft, able to reshape their roster completely.

There is tremendous value for the Giants to be able to manipulate a quarterback-desperate team into trading a ridiculous amount of picks for the first overall selection. It would even behoove them to pull off this maneuver, given this class’s limited quarterback options.

Despite a trade back making the most sense for New York, I produced a mock draft for the scenario that they couldn’t get a deal done. After I finished the mock, I enlisted NFL Draft analyst Ryan Roberts to grade it. Here were the results.

Giants 2027 NFL Mock Draft results

Round 1 Pick 1: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State

Round 2 Pick 35: Chris Bell, WR, Louisville

Round 4 Pick 101: Will Lee III, CB, Texas A&M

Round 5 Pick 143: Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt

Round 6 Pick 182: Keon Sabb, S, Alabama

Round 6 Pick 193: Xavier Chaplin, OT, Auburn

Round 6 Pick 195: Bryce Lance, WR, North Dakota State

Mock Draft analysis

First off, the pick of Arvell Reese will be misunderstood by Giants fans because it sounds like they’re taking another Abdul Carter. Let’s be clear, he is nothing like Abdul Carter. Additionally, if the Giants stay at first overall pick, he’s the other player worthy of being picked that high. Most other prospects would be a reach, and taking a wide receiver or safety at first overall would be nuts.

The Giants’ defense was plagued by below-average linebacker play. It’s clear they desperately need an elite athlete to add to the mix. Reese would effectively fit at off-ball linebacker and have the versatility to be a head-hunting blitzer. His versatility and rare athleticism make him a rare weapon to deploy with an already talented front seven. Ultimately, this could also enable the Giants to trade away someone like Kayvon Thibodeaux and add to their draft picks.

After taking Reese, I loved that Chris Bell was available. Bell is a physical playmaker who brings a body type the Giants’ WR room lacks. Additionally, Eli Stowers’ build and athleticism would pair well with the tight ends, giving Jaxson Dart another dynamic weapon.

Will Lee III was a steal in the fourth round, as he has the potential to start at outside cornerback if needed. Otherwise, he’s the necessary depth at a position the Giants are very thin at. I additionally added depth at wide receiver and offensive tackle with Chaplin and Lance. Both prospects have upside to start, but are solid backups overall at the very least.

2026 NFL Mock Draft Grade

“While Giants fans will yell about wanting to trade back with their top selection, instead, open your eyes to a potential fit that could make your team a lot better. With an insane blend of size, physicality, and versatility, Reese could potentially play anywhere from MIKE, WILL, SAM, or on the edge. Reese is a game changer who has All-Pro written all over him.

With quarterback Jaxson Dart in place, investing in wide receivers is never a bad thing. I’m a huge fan of Chris Bell and the big play ability he brings despite being over 6-1 and 227 pounds. While Bryce Lance is rough around the edges, he is also a springy athlete who is more than worth the dart throw at that point in the draft.

Both Will Lee and Eli Stowers were also tremendous values. I wouldn’t be shocked to see both eventually develop into starters long term. They have become a couple of underrated fixtures in this class. Lee particularly could be valuable with the Giants, especially if you let him play a ton of pressure man coverage.

My only criticism would be to try and invest in the right tackle position earlier. Chaplin is a solid dart throw later in the draft, but protecting Dart needs to be a higher priority. Other than that, most spots were good values.” -Ryan Roberts

Grade: A-

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