The 2026 Draft Thread - 1st Round - 7th overall

[skinsinparadise]

Still think its a good trade for NY. But I've heard many times, Lawrence was the dude who you game plan for on their defense. That's who you double team, that's the focus. They struggled to stop the run with their smaller edges, you take Lawrence out and they might struggle even more

 

[KDawg]

Still think its a good trade for NY. But I've heard many times, Lawrence was the dude who you game plan for on their defense. That's who you double team, that's the focus. They struggled to stop the run with their smaller edges, you take Lawrence out and they might struggle even more

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I think the Giants got significantly weaker on the Lawrence trade - but I also think he was going to be off the roster at some point soon regardless. They made a move I wish our FO would make more often - get assets for a guy that you aren’t going to have soon.

They are weaker but will likely be stronger in the long term because of that move.

The Bengals got a hell of a DT… but was that really the move they needed to fix that situation? Maybe. He’s better than what they would get at 10 most likely. Shorter time window and more expensive, but a better player.

 

[skinsinparadise]

Thursday can't get here early enough.

We finally convinced ourselves into wanting Love. So much so that now it's really going to hurt when we don't get him.

Bain was a top two DE this year which was my top want. Now, we can't even mention his name because he short armed himself out of the top 10.

Downs was the man until he wasn't. He's gotten slower and more injured since the season ended.

WR is a must and Tate is the obvious choice but we're trying hard to talk ourselves out of him for some reason.

Styles shined too much so he'll be gone before 7.

Realistically, we're looking at Downs, Tate, Bain, or Delane. I'll be happy with any of them.

Thursday can't get here early enough.

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Agree, Thursday couldn't get here fast enough.

I think most here are braced for Love being gone.

Bain and Downs might have contributed to losing some buzz by both doubling down on the mystery as to whether they are good athletes or not by forgoing the athletic testing.

I still like Downs though, not my top want at 7, and I do not think they take him. Will see.

Guessing it will be Delane. But feels like there is at least a fighting chance Love or Styles falls.

 

[KDawg]

Agree, Thursday couldn't get here fast enough.

I think most here are braced for Love being gone.

Bain and Downs might have contributed to losing some buzz by both doubling down on the mystery as to whether they are good athletes or not by forgoing the athletic testing.

I still like Downs though, not my top want at 7, and I do not think they take him. Will see.

Guessing it will be Delane. But feels like there is at least a fighting chance Love or Styles falls.

There seems to be a lot of hope that the Giants take Tyson at 5, but if Tyson is a guy they covet why not wait until 10? I guess there’s a chance he’s gone then, but then pivot and take one of the outstanding players that dropped.

I have this bad feeling Love is going 4th or 5th and not much changes near the top. Though if teams are worried about the Giants taking WR or OL they may move up to 6/8/9 to get ahead of them if that’s their target area as well.

Going to be interesting to see how it all plays out.

 

[skinsinparadise]

I think the Giants got significantly weaker on the Lawrence trade - but I also think he was going to be off the roster at some point soon regardless. They made a move I wish our FO would make more often - get assets for a guy that you aren’t going to have soon.

They are weaker but will likely be stronger in the long term because of that move.

The Bengals got a hell of a DT… but was that really the move they needed to fix that situation? Maybe. He’s better than what they would get at 10 most likely. Shorter time window and more expensive, but a better player.

Agree.

And on an aside, I love McShay but hate him raining on the off chance parade that Love falls to 7. I don't think he does or Styles but I don't rule it out either, and neither do some insiders.

Looks like its growing possible that the Jets take Reese. And some think the Cards might take Mauigoa. If so the Titans supposedly want Bailey. the Giants like Styles supposedly -- not sure I buy that they like Tyson at 5 but if they do that would work, too. Then Love likely falls.

It's unlikely but it is a scenario I've seen.

As for Styles. Some say the Giants could pass him over Downs, Tyson, Tate or Mauigoa

 

[Skinfanjon]

I really want to see the full trade, seems like there are more picks involved that haven’t been reported yet.

My knee jerk reaction was it’s insane to send the 10th overall for a guy turning 29 in season who you will also have to pay something like $100M. Just bad business in general, especially when the player you’re getting already showed some signs of slippage the last two years (going from all pro level to very good). If our team made a move like that, I’d be livid.

The 10th pick is a 4 years, $30M investment. You could have that player and another $70M or so to build the roster. That said, Bengals probably feel like they’re in no man’s land draft wise. And they’re not an organization that would spend that extra $70M on much of anything anyway. They’re also win now (or want to be) so their motivation is at least logical.

Still, don’t think I’d want that deal if I were them. Need to see the full picture though.

And as a fan of this team who hates the division rivals, it Bloughs.

 

[skinsinparadise]

There seems to be a lot of hope that the Giants take Tyson at 5, but if Tyson is a guy they covet why not wait until 10? I guess there’s a chance he’s gone then, but then pivot and take one of the outstanding players that dropped.

I have this bad feeling Love is going 4th or 5th and not much changes near the top. Though if teams are worried about the Giants taking WR or OL they may move up to 6/8/9 to get ahead of them if that’s their target area as well.

Going to be interesting to see how it all plays out.

I think there is a good shot this Tyson stuff is BS. On a number of levels it makes no sense. But why at 5 instead of 10? Browns at 6. Chiefs at 9. Saints at 8 supposedly all could go WR.

 

[skinsinparadise]

I really want to see the full trade, seems like there are more picks involved that haven’t been reported yet.

My knee jerk reaction was it’s insane to send the 10th overall for a guy turning 29 in season who you will also have to pay something like $100M. Just bad business in general, especially when the player you’re getting already showed some signs of slippage the last two years (going from all pro level to very good). If our team made a move like that, I’d be livid.

The 10th pick is a 4 years, $30M investment. You could have that player and another $70M or so to build the roster. That said, Bengals probably feel like they’re in no man’s land draft wise. And they’re not an organization that would spend that extra $70M on much of anything anyway. They’re also win now (or want to be) so their motivation is at least logical.

Still, don’t think I’d want that deal if I were them. Need to see the full picture though.

Where did you see more picks involved? I saw multiple places its straight up.

 

[KDawg]

I think there is a good shot this Tyson stuff is BS. On a number of levels it makes no sense. But why at 5 instead of 10? Browns at 6. Chiefs at 9. Saints at 8 supposedly all could go WR.

In which case for the Giants - great. Two receivers off the board… while they could have used one it means guys like Downs, Delane, maybe even Styles etc., may be sitting there. Win/win.

Forcing Tyson at 5 would be a critical error, imo. I hope they do it.

 

[DWinzit]

In which case for the Giants - great. Two receivers off the board… while they could have used one it means guys like Downs, Delane, maybe even Styles etc., may be sitting there. Win/win.

Forcing Tyson at 5 would be a critical error, imo. I hope they do it.

It's a good time for AP to leak a passion for Tyson

 

[skinsinparadise]

In which case for the Giants - great. Two receivers off the board… while they could have used one it means guys like Downs, Delane, maybe even Styles etc., may be sitting there. Win/win.

Forcing Tyson at 5 would be a critical error, imo. I hope they do it.

From what I've read but will see if its true.

The Giants like many other teams (but not Washington) with young QBs really really want to see them succeed by surrounding them with weapons -- hence all the WR talk.

I don't mean this to be sarcastic but in short there is an almost a desperation from some teams with young QBs to surround them with weapons -- developing a franchise QB and building their confidence is everything -- as you know, there is no such desperation with Washington on that front. But will see if the Giants desperation to help Dart manifests soon enough.

 

[Skinfanjon]

Where did you see more picks involved? I saw multiple places its straight up.

Looks like you’re right. The reporting I saw last night seemed to say the 10th pick was involved, but didn’t elaborate. Just checked again and it seems to be straight up. Horrible value.

 

[KDawg]

From what I've read but will see if its true.

The Giants like many other teams (but not Washington) with young QBs really really want to see them succeed by surrounding him with weapons -- hence all the WR talk.

I don't mean this to be sarcastic but in short there is an almost a desperation from some teams with young QBs to surround them with weapons -- developing a franchise QB and building their confidence is everything -- as you know, there is no such desperation with Washington on that front. But will see if the Giants desperation to help Dart manifests soon enough.

To some extent, I think forcing it is a big, big, big mistake. But on another… I get it.

But if they don’t get a receiver, they are going to be in that veteran market along with us, Buffalo, Miami, etc.

Now, we’re more attractive than at least a few of those places, but there’s a chance that we strike out looking again at receiver if we don’t force the issue.

Oddly enough, I’m still not necessarily advocating for it. I prefer it over the defensive options, but I do like the idea of not forcing a receiver while at the same time can’t help but wonder why we’d pass on Tate if we’re in position to draft him and Love isn’t there.

There is no guarantee we are getting any of the vets.

And while Aiyuk SEEMS close to a lock - it’s not one and when can he even join us? If it’s August/September is the juice worth the squeeze at that point for THIS season? Maybe. But he’s going to be way behind.

 

[skinsinparadise]

This wouldn't help. If the Jets end up with Reese and Dallas who supposedly love Bailey trades up for him -- then lets say the Titans don't take Love, in that case its likely Styles. Then Styles is off the board for the Giants and it increases the chances they take Love.

 

[HOF44]

I think if Love is gone and Tate is there we need to pick him. His strengths seem to mesh really well with what JD values in a receiver. Clean consistent routes that JD can let it go with anticipation. That ability to win contested balls. I just believe JD is so turnover averse, which is a good thing, that if he doesn’t trust a WR, he holds it to confirm he’s going to be where he needs to be. This ends up with him holding the ball too long and allowing pressure to effect the play and cause scrambles. We HAVE to give him some WR’s he trusts or I fear injuries will come again.

 

[skinsinparadise]

To some extent, I think forcing it is a big, big, big mistake. But on another… I get it.

But if they don’t get a receiver, they are going to be in that veteran market along with us, Buffalo, Miami, etc.

Now, we’re more attractive than at least a few of those places, but there’s a chance that we strike out looking again at receiver if we don’t force the issue.

Oddly enough, I’m still not necessarily advocating for it. I prefer it over the defensive options, but I do like the idea of not forcing a receiver while at the same time can’t help but wonder why we’d pass on Tate if we’re in position to draft him and Love isn’t there.

There is no guarantee we are getting any of the vets.

And while Aiyuk SEEMS close to a lock - it’s not one and when can he even join us? If it’s August/September is the juice worth the squeeze at that point for THIS season? Maybe. But he’s going to be way behind.

I like Tate but I am ok with them forgoing him for a better player. What I hate is they dug this hole to begin with.

And I get the sense if they don't trade down in the first, they won't end up with Tate or any of the other first-2nd round WRs.

So it feels almost for sure, the plan is Aiyuk and 3rd round WR. I'd put money they draft for need at WR in the third in that case.

I like the idea of signing Aiyuk but for those who think its a slam dunk upgrade, I don't get that, its a wildcard and double so if the 49ers don't release him until August.

We were worried about Terry being rusty and injury prone missing camp last year -- imagine Aiyuk if he got hardly any preseason reps, didn't play a lick the season before, having to learn this playbook for the first time and coming off of major injury? We'd have no worries that he'd be rusty and maybe injury prone next season?

 

[Skinfanjon]

I was in on Delane like 6 weeks ago, so don’t mind that he seems to be plan B at 7. He’s damn good and levels up the position and defense in general. Still, I can’t shake the conclusion that we need to prioritize WR and treat it with some desperation. Don’t know what I’d want if Love and Tate are both there, almost no chance it happens anyway so not worth the mental energy, but Tate vs Delane…gotta be Tate. And then WR in round 1 next year too.

 

[skinsinparadise]

 

[Canuck]

From being on here since the beginning of the off-season until now, I feel like the consensus worst case scenario on this site, give or take is:

1- Mendoza
2- Bailey
3- Reese
4- Love
5- Styles
6- Tate

That could legitimately happen. If it does then what do all of you want to do at 7

Downs

 

[philibusters]

Keim once in awhile in his podcasts hints at a possible Daron Payne trade, he doesn't push it hard so it feels like a maybe at best.

But wonder if the teams who lost out on Lawrence pivots to Payne. I'd do it in a heart beat for a 4th rounder.

Not saying Sutter is right, but he upon doing the Sheehan film reviews during the season believes Payne isn't good for the culture considering to his eyes he takes off many plays, motor doesn't run hot according to him.

For a fourth rounder I would too. I would for a 5th rounder also. For like a 6th or 7th I am more hesistant and would probably decline. There is such a big gap between what Logan Paulsen says about Payne and Suter. I feel like Paulsen is the more knowledgeable of the two and Suter is the more tell it like it is of the two. Ultimately I kind of split the difference between the two in my take because they both seem like credible opinions.

It would make the most sense for teams like Packers or Eagles--teams that don't sign many guys in free agency because they can realistically get a comp back of close to equal value. If you trade a mid to late fifth rounder but get back a comp 5th rounder (which is at the very end of that round) in a draft a year later, that is not an expensive price to pay. I think we will probably sign too many guys in free agency next year to get a comp pick, but we don't know their plans.