Giants reportedly could ignore this position in first round of 2026 NFL Draft

Since this past winter, the New York Giants have been among the teams linked with Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Carnell Tate.

The Giants now possess overall picks No. 5 and No. 10 in the 2026 NFL Draft after they traded defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II to the Cincinnati Bengals this past weekend. Nevertheless, it sounds like Big Blue may not spend either of those assets on a receiver this Thursday night. 

Giants reportedly have these three players "near the top" of their draft board

On Monday, Giants and NFL reporter Connor Hughes of SNY said that Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles, Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love and Ohio State safety Caleb Downs are "believed to be near the top of New York’s board" heading into Thursday. 

"Sources believe Love would be the pick if available, but that appears unlikely," Hughes explained. 

The Arizona Cardinals may take Love at pick No. 3, or he could go to the Tennessee Titans at choice No. 4. Either of those teams could make a trade with a club that ultimately drafts Love, the advertised top offensive prospect in this year's class. 

"A trade remains something to monitor...though little traction has developed," Hughes wrote about the Giants trying to move down from pick No. 5. 

It's possible that Ohio State pass-rusher Arvell Reese or Texas Tech defensive end David Bailey will still be on the board five selections into the draft. The Giants reportedly will have pass-rushers Kayvon Thibodeaux, Brian Burns and 2025 first-round pick Abdul Carter on their roster through at least the spring, so they may attempt to trade pick No. 5 to a team interested in either Reese or Bailey if both don't become top-four selections. 

What could Giants do at pick No. 10?

According to both Hughes and ESPN's Jordan Raanan, Miami tackle Francis Mauigoa, Utah lineman Spencer Fano, Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane and Utah tackle Caleb Lomu are "names to watch" as it pertains to the Giants grabbing some extra protection for quarterback Jaxson Dart. 

Meanwhile, Hughes noted that the 2026 "receiver class has drawn mixed reviews" and that "league evaluators are less bullish on Ohio State’s Carnell Tate than many in media circles." Hughes added that some view Tate as a "high-end No. 2" option at the position.