The excitement surrounding the 2026 NFL Draft is officially beginning to build. Just last week, the action kicked off with practices leading up to the highly anticipated 2026 Senior Bowl.
In a surprising turn of events, both General Manager Joe Schoen and Head Coach John Harbaugh from the New York Giants opted not to attend these practices, as they focus on finalizing their coaching staff. While this decision doesn't put them behind in the drafting process compared to other teams, it raises questions about how they will utilize the insights gained from the Senior Bowl in their selection strategy this year. Traditionally, the Senior Bowl serves as a critical platform for teams to refine their big boards; some players enhance their prospects, while others might take a hit, revealing hidden gems along the way. Historically, both the Giants and Ravens have shown a preference for selecting players who shine during this event.
On Monday morning, Matt Miller from ESPN unveiled an intriguing two-round mock draft, titled "Post Senior Bowl" (you can check it out here). Notably, it’s interesting that neither of the players projected for the Giants participated in the Senior Bowl itself.
5. New York Giants - Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
The New York Giants present a captivating case for this draft. They boast a promising young core, including quarterback Jaxson Dart, running back Cam Skattebo, wide receiver Malik Nabers, and edge rusher Abdul Carter. Additionally, they have established stars like offensive tackle Andrew Thomas, edge rusher Brian Burns, and defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II. Yet, there remains a glaring gap in their lineup. Could enhancing their offensive capabilities be the solution?
Carnell Tate would serve as an excellent addition alongside Nabers, thanks to his precise route-running skills and his tenacity in contested catches. Watching Tate’s game tape evokes memories of Justin Jefferson during his time at LSU, as they share similar physical attributes and skillsets.
While the Giants could certainly consider bolstering their right tackle or secondary positions, bringing Tate into the fold to provide Dart with more offensive options seems like the most logical move.
37. New York Giants - D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana
In my opinion, D’Angelo Ponds stands out as one of the finest football players available in this draft class. He is recognized as the top nickelback, consistently demonstrating his impact on the field as a key playmaker for the Indiana Hoosiers, where he recorded seven career interceptions.
Chris’s Insights
When considering their options at the draft's outset, the Giants' decisions will undoubtedly be influenced by the outcomes of free agency. Unless they make a significant investment to acquire a player like George Pickens or Alec Pierce, wide receiver remains a consistently viable choice for them. Even if they manage to re-sign Wan’Dale Robinson, his return shouldn’t prevent them from pursuing a potential “WR1b” if the chance arises.
A major point of uncertainty revolves around whether the Giants will choose to re-sign Jermaine Eluemunor. If they do, I would be surprised to see them select a tackle early on. However, should they fail to secure him, addressing the tackle position becomes a strong possibility, with Utah’s Spencer Fano potentially being a candidate, especially if Miami’s Francis Mauigoa is already taken third overall by the Cardinals.
I firmly believe that while Jaxson Dart has demonstrated the capability to create plays reminiscent of Patrick Mahomes, he should not be forced into such a high-risk style of play. The Giants managed to score against some of the league's top defenses last season, but Dart often found himself in precarious situations that raised concerns among fans regarding his safety due to his aggressive approach.
To support Dart, the Giants must maintain their offensive line’s performance and acquire playmakers to alleviate the pressure he faces, ensuring he doesn’t have to jeopardize his well-being to generate offensive plays.
Regarding Tate, I believe comparisons to Justin Jefferson are far from unfounded. He possesses similar traits and overall characteristics to both Jefferson and other notable receivers like Tee Higgins and A.J. Green. A player of that caliber absolutely justifies a fifth overall pick and could significantly elevate the Giants’ offensive threat.
Now, let’s discuss D’Angelo Ponds at the 37th spot… I must express my disagreement with Miller’s assessment regarding this selection.
While I hold Ponds in high regard as one of the best football talents in the draft, his smaller stature at 5-foot-9 and 175 pounds doesn’t hinder his ability to impact games as a crucial element in Indiana’s resurgence. His size allows for exceptional speed and agility, making him difficult for offenses to contend with.
However, my objection to this pick isn’t solely based on his height. I believe it to be a poor choice because the Giants already have Dru Phillips on their roster.
Phillips showcased himself as one of the league's elite nickel defenders during his rookie season. Although he faced challenges in a dysfunctional defense at the start of the previous season, he rebounded impressively under the guidance of Charlie Bullen in the latter half of the year.
Instead, I would advocate for the Giants to consider either Texas Tech defensive tackle Lee Hunter or Arizona State right tackle Max Iheanachor with this selection. Hunter could very well be the top nose tackle available, excelling as a run defender while also posing a threat as a pass rusher. His inclusion would bolster the Giants' interior defensive line alongside Dexter Lawrence and Darius Alexander, providing the team with ample opportunities to disrupt opposing offenses.
Alternatively, though Iheanachor is relatively new to the sport, his prototypical frame combined with elite athleticism suggests significant potential. Having made remarkable strides over the past three years, he is naturally suited for the right tackle position and should definitely be on the Giants’ radar at the start of the second round, even if they choose to bring back Eluemunor. With further development, he has the potential to emerge as the standout offensive tackle from this draft class.
