Dan Salomone

In the NFL, free agency sets up the draft.

We're about to see how it all unfolds starting this Wednesday at 4 p.m., when the league rings in the new year. The Giants, who have nearly two dozen players set to hit the open market, began the roster construction process last week to gear up for the frenzy in the days ahead. Keep checkingthis pagefor the latest reports and official signings.

In the meantime, below is a look at the latest projections for what the Giants could do with the No. 5 overall draft pick.

Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Media

Pick:Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

Analysis:"The Giants add another weapon for Jaxson Dart. Tate gives the offense a vertical receiver to play opposite a hopefully-healthy Malik Nabers."

Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN

Pick:Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

Analysis:"In January, I had Ohio State receiver Carnell Tate here. I think that's still very possible, as New York needs a WR2 opposite Malik Nabers. But it doesn't matter who Jaxson Dart is throwing to if he doesn't have enough time to get the ball out. Fano started 36 games over three seasons, and he allowed just four sacks (and only one over the past two years once flipping from left tackle to right tackle). His technique and power are outstanding."

Dane Brugler, The Athletic

Pick:Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

Analysis:"For much of the season and pre-draft process, I felt like I had to convince doubters of why Styles deserved to be a top-10 pick. After his workout in Indianapolis, the skeptics have disappeared. But it wasn't just what Styles did on the field, which prompted a standing ovation when he walked into one team's interview room. His interviews with NFL teams were 'phenomenal,' according to a team source."

Eric Edholm, NFL.com

Pick:Makai Lemon, WR, USC

Analysis:"Don't rule out an offensive lineman here, but Lemon and Malik Nabers could be an excellent duo for Jaxson Dart and a new Giants offense. Lemon is a tough, competitive, yards-after-catch specialist who'll fit a hard-nosed John Harbaugh team."

Bucky Brooks, NFL.com

Pick:Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Analysis:"Downs' IQ, communication skills and playmaking potential could significantly boost a Giants defense that doesn't lack talent."

Lance Zierlein, NFL.com

Pick:Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

Analysis:"The Giants take a swing on a high-upside cornerback who missed the entire 2025 season while recovering from an ACL tear."

Matt Miller, ESPN

Pick:Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

Analysis:"Tate's tape reminds me of Justin Jefferson at LSU, and he enters the league with a similar body type and skill set."

Field Yates, ESPN

Pick:Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Analysis:"This is my first curveball, as many early mock drafts have linked the Giants to a wide receiver or offensive tackle in this spot. Those are completely understandable, especially if Wan'Dale Robinson and/or Jermaine Eluemunor depart in free agency. But Downs has my attention as the first pick of the John Harbaugh era."

Charles Davis, NFL Media

Pick:Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

Analysis:"Styles' tape is outstanding. His combine performance was off the charts. The Giants cannot pass on his talent."

Nate Davis, USA TODAY

Pick:Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

Analysis:"Arguably the star of this year's combine given the freakish traits (4.46 40-yard dash, 43-inch vertical leap) he put on display Thursday, the 6-foot-5, 244-pound converted safety could immediately take over the middle of a front-loaded defense and new Giants coach John Harbaugh is certainly accustomed to having an athletic and cerebral monster orchestrating that side of the ball."

Jaime Eisner, The Draft Network

Pick:Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Analysis:"Positional value be damned, Caleb Downs would be a perfect fit for the Giants here. New head coach John Harbaugh saw firsthand the impact a hybrid defensive back like Kyle Hamilton had on his defense in Baltimore, and Downs has the potential to provide that same type of influence in New York. He's an incredibly instinctive player who can thrive anywhere on the field. Downs also brings the kind of leadership and football IQ that should earn him a captain's role sooner rather than later, making him a foundational piece for this Giants defense. He reportedly knocked it out of the park in all his team interviews at the NFL Combine, too."

Jordan Reid, ESPN

Pick:Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

Analysis:"The last time an off-ball linebacker was picked in the top five was 2019, when the Buccaneers took Devin White. So while it's rare, Styles' skill set pairs really well with the defense coach John Harbaugh will likely bring to the Giants. Styles dazzled at the combine and can be the boisterous presence that Harbaugh's Ravens teams often had at middle linebacker. The 6-foot-5, 243-pound defender is a converted safety who has the intangibles and potential to wear the green dot right away as a rookie."

Max Chadwick, Pro Football Focus

Pick:Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

Analysis:"Developing and protecting quarterback Jaxson Dart should be a top priority for new head coach John Harbaugh. Fano produced a position-best 92.0 PFF overall grade over the past two seasons and would slot in seamlessly as the Giants' right tackle opposite of Andrew Thomas."

Nick Baumgardner, The Athletic

Pick:Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

Analysis:"The WR1 debate between Tate, Jordyn Tyson and Makai Lemon should rage well beyond the NFL combine. However, Tate has the most potential and the fewest questions regarding his health and schematic fit."

Trevor Sikkema, Pro Football Focus

Pick:Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

Analysis:"Tate had an opportunity to grab the WR1 title by the horns since both Jordyn Tyson and Makai Lemon did not do any athletic testing at the combine, but he came up short with a 4.53-second 40-yard dash. That doesn't hurt his stock, in my opinion, but it keeps him in the conversation with the other three. Still, his range likely starts here at No. 5 to give Jaxson Dart two legitimate deep-threat receivers in 2026."

Cynthia Frelund, NFL Network

Pick:Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

Analysis:"McCoy tore his ACL in January 2025 (he missed all of last season), so we'll have to see how his medical evaluations turn out during the draft process (including at the NFL Scouting Combine). But my model loves his potential and upside: He has the highest rating for a true press corner in this year's class. Also, at just 20 years old, he's two years younger than my No. 2 rated corner, Mansoor Delane."

Mike Renner, CBS Sports

Pick:Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

Analysis:"Styles could be the cherry on top of a budding front seven. He's one of the best off-ball linebacker athletes to come out in recent years, boasting a massive frame and cornerback-like movement skills."

Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports

Pick:Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Analysis:"In a quirky draft where one, maybe two QBs go in Round 1, and the board is littered with really good football players, we could see an off-ball linebacker and a safety go in the top five. History says that's crazy talk, but both Styles and Downs will immediately make their football teams better."

Josh Edwards, CBS Sports

Pick:Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

Analysis:"Carnell Tate would provide more confidence going into Year 2 with Jaxson Dart. Tate is a bigger body with great body control and a feel for playing in space."

Connor Rogers, NBC Sports

Pick:Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

Analysis:"Whether it be at right tackle (where he's started the last three seasons) or guard, Mauigoa puts more help in front of Jaxson Dart. His play strength and anchor stood out in 2025, where his improvement in pass protection was notable. Wide receiver could be in play here for the Giants, but if they bring back Wan'Dale Robinson they can address that position later in the draft."

Blake Brockermeyer, CBS Sports

Pick:Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

Analysis:"Spencer Fano plays with good technique and excellent feet, and I believe he can handle either tackle spot. He didn't allow a sack this season and gave up only six hurries. His best days are still ahead, but I like his power at the point, his ability to move people in the run game and the athleticism to pull and clear defenders at the second level."

Danny Kelly, The Ringer

Pick:Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

Analysis:"The Giants show here that they're all about the development of quarterback Jaxson Dart. Tate is a big-time playmaker with good length and incredible body control that he uses to dominate at the catch point. He's a perfect complement to Malik Nabers and gives Dart another go-to guy to throw to in high-leverage situations."

Justin Melo, The Draft Network

Pick:Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami

Analysis:"John Harbaugh and the Giants are tasked with investing in Jaxson Dart's development this offseason."

Keith Sanchez, The Draft Network

Pick:Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

Analysis:"The New York Giants drafted Jaxson Dart in the first round last year, and as a rookie, he showed some promise that should have the front office optimistic about what he could develop into. But if they want Dart to take the same steps that Caleb Williams and Drake Maye took in their sophomore years, they are going to need to upgrade the receiver room and give him another weapon, especially with Malik Nabers recovering from an ACL injury. So in this spot, the Giants decide to go with Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson."

Chad Reuter, NFL.com

Pick:Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

Analysis:"New head coach John Harbaugh played defensive back at Miami of Ohio and coached the position for one season with the Eagles -- and the Ravens selected DBs Kyle Hamilton, Malaki Starks and Nate Wiggins in the first round during his time with the team. Safety Caleb Downs, who functions like a quarterback in the secondary, is surely tempting, but in this scenario, Harbaugh chooses Delane, an elite coverage corner."

Gordon McGuinness, Pro Football Focus

Pick:Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

Analysis:"While I agree with the recent declaration from multiple draft analysts that Ohio State's Arvell Reese is a better prospect as a linebacker than an edge defender, I think his teammate is the best linebacker in this draft class. Styles' grading profile is similar to that of San Francisco 49ers star linebacker Fred Warner from his BYU days, and he could easily be a decade-long NFL starter."

Gennaro Filice, NFL.com

Pick:Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

Analysis:"Jaxson Dart needs to protect himself from unnecessary carnage, but the Giants must do everything in their power to maintain a clean pocket."

Dalton Wasserman, Pro Football Focus

Pick:Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

Analysis:"Mauigoa would be an immediate starter on the right side after recording an excellent 87.0 PFF pass-blocking grade in 2025."

Luke Easterling, Athlon Sports

Pick:Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

Analysis:"It's so hard to find off-ball linebackers who can do the things he can."

Nate Tice & Charles McDonald, Yahoo Sports

Pick:Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami

Analysis:"Perhaps he doesn't have overwhelming athleticism. Still, he's a player who allows the Giants to always have their best five offensive linemen on the field."

Vinnie Iyer, The Sporting News

Pick:Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Analysis:"Downs may have dropped a little after choosing not to work out at the Combine in relation to his former Buckeyes back seven teammates Reese and Sonny Styles going off on the field. The Giants still should be eyeing him in the top five to give them a dynamic complement to Jevon Holland."

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