The New York Giants opened the door to as many possibilities as possible for them on Saturday night when they traded Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals for the No. 10 overall pick.
They now hold two picks in the top 10, No. 5 and No. 10, and can really do whatever they please with those selections.
SNY’s Connor Hughes noted Ohio State’s Sonny Styles, Caleb Downs, and Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson are prime candidates at No. 5.
While at No. 10, he points to some offensive line prospects, such as Spencer Fano, Caleb Lomu, Olaivavega Ioane, and Francis Mauigoa.
But what would be the ideal scenario for the Giants and their draft prospects, and what would it take to get there?
Giants’ Dream Scenario Requires David Bailey Slip
Hughes revealed what he believes would be the perfect scenario for the New York Giants entering the 2026 NFL Draft, and that would be Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey falling to No. 5, and the Giants trading back from that pick.
“If the Jets select Reese, Love goes to Arizona and Styles to Tennessee, Bailey would be available at No. 5,” wrote Hughes.
“Every source SNY spoke with agreed he is the top pass rusher in the class — a scenario that could prompt a team to trade up. The Giants would listen.”
The Giants should absolutely be interested in trying to build up their treasure chest of draft picks over the next few seasons. As John Harbaugh allegedly said, “Why don’t we have more picks?”
For a team that hasn’t done a whole lot of winning, you would think they would have a bit more than they do, but last year’s Jaxson Dart trade-up certainly didn’t help in that department.
It’s the reason why the Giants don’t have a third-round pick, but it’s safe to say most fans are okay with that considering how exciting Dart’s rookie season was.
Regardless, the team is not a finished product, and the best way to keep doing that is in the draft. Accumulating draft picks should help in that process.
Dexter Lawrence Trade Did Wonders for Giants’ Draft
It’s safe to say that without the Lawrence trade, this draft would not be as exciting as it is for New York Giants fans.
Sure, it’s a bummer to say goodbye to a long-time star, but getting the 10th overall pick back in the trade makes it a little easier to swallow.
Hughes revealed that a general manager told him, “Never thought they would get that, but desperate teams do dumb things,” referring to the Cincinnati Bengals.
We’ll see if the Giants end up trading either pick, but it’s also hard to ignore the possibility of New York landing two blue-chip players with their selections in the top 10.
They could come out of the first round with a new playmaker on both offense and defense.
A combination of Styles or Downs at No. 5 paired with a wide receiver or offensive lineman at No. 10 would be exactly what the Giants need to kick the Harbaugh era off with a bang.
Giants Insider Reveals Dream Scenario During 2026 NFL Draft