The New York Giants have no shortage of directions they could go with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Quarterback protection, defensive help, or another offensive weapon are all on the table as the front office evaluates how to accelerate the team’s rebuild. But at least one voice from inside the locker room has already made his preference known — and it centers on a familiar face from his college days.
Running back Cam Skattebo recently sent a clear message when discussing the draft, openly advocating for the Giants to select his former Arizona State teammate, wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, with that premium selection. While Skattebo admitted he has no say in the decision, his public comments have added fuel to an already growing conversation around Tyson as a potential top-five target for New York.
A Public Push for a Familiar Playmaker
Skattebo and Tyson built real on-field chemistry together at Arizona State, operating within one of the program’s most explosive offenses in recent years. That familiarity is a major part of why Skattebo believes the transition to the NFL — and specifically into the Giants’ system — could be seamless for Tyson.
The rookie sensation running back said, “I’m going to try to get all my guys in the NFL — they all have to come to the Giants. That’s what I’m going to try to do. Hopefully something works out. There’s a chance they [Giants’ front office] get him [Tyson], I’m not in charge… They’re going to do what they do, and hopefully, they make the right decisions.”
For a young Giants offense still looking to define its identity, built-in chemistry between two skill players is an appealing idea. Skattebo’s endorsement also highlights how respected Tyson’s talent is among those who have played alongside him.
Why the Fit Makes Football Sense for New York
Tyson’s profile as a prospect aligns with what the Giants need. At 6-foot-2 with the ability to line up across the formation, he offers size, versatility, and a strong contested-catch presence. When healthy, he’s been one of the more productive receivers in college football and has consistently shown the ability to stretch defenses vertically while also working effectively underneath.
The Giants are still searching for consistent production opposite star wide receiver Malik Nabers. Defenses already devote significant attention to Nabers, and adding another legitimate outside threat could open up the entire passing game. Tyson’s skill set would give the offense another dimension and a reliable target in critical situations.
Tyson broke out in 2024, where he had 1,101 yards and 10 touchdowns as the Sun Devils won the Big 12 and nearly upset Texas in the CFP. He followed that up with 711 yards and eight touchdowns in nine games as a senior in 2025. He commands a target on 31.2% of his career routes, which ranks in the 98th percentile among receiver prospects since 2019, while his polished route-running gives him an impressive 84% open-target rate.
There are, of course, factors the front office will have to weigh. Tyson’s extensive injury history will be closely examined, as he missed large parts of his first two seasons with an ACL, PCL, and MCL tear before fracturing his collarbone and being limited with a nagging hamstring in his final two seasons.
The Giants also have multiple roster holes that could compete for attention with such a high draft pick. Offensive line help, defensive reinforcements, or even trade-down scenarios are all realistic possibilities. At wide receiver, Carnell Tate is another blossoming outside receiver with improved draft stock, without the extensive injury history that Tyson possesses.
Still, Skattebo’s public pitch has amplified Tyson’s name in draft discussions tied to New York. Whether the Giants ultimately follow that suggestion remains uncertain. What is certain is that one player inside the building has already made his preference loud and clear as draft season begins to heat up.
Giants Running Back Sends Clear Message About No. 5 Draft Pick