In early April, Dexter Lawrence requested a trade from the New York Giants. Less than two weeks later, the team found a trade partner for the 28-year-old. On Saturday, the Cincinnati Bengals traded the 10th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to acquire Lawrence. The three-time Pro Bowler earned a one-year, $28 contract extension upon being acquired by the Bengals.
Now, the Giants own the fifth and 10th overall picks in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft, starting on Thursday, April 23. That is massive draft capital in the first season of John Harbaugh as head coach. It’s an opportunity for the team to add serious impact players. Next, we’ll take a look at New York’s updated first-round mock draft with two top ten selections.
Updated New York Giants First Round Mock Draft after Acquiring the 10th Pick for Dexter Lawrence
The Giants own two top-ten picks in the 2026 NFL draft
Fifth overall pick: Caleb Downs, safety, Ohio State
Just three times in the history of the NFL draft has a safety been selected with a top-five pick. Those players include Eric Turner, selected second overall in 1991; Sean Taylor, selected fourth overall in 2004; and Eric Berry, selected fifth overall in 2010. Ohio State’s Caleb Downs has the chance to join that elite company. In this mock draft, the Giants select Downs with the fifth overall pick.
New York has been searching for a long-term answer at safety since the team let Xavier McKinney and Julian Love walk in free agency. It’s worth noting that John Harbaugh had talent at safety when he was with the Baltimore Ravens. Could the Giants follow similarly and take an elite player in the secondary? Downs is an x-factor on defense. His football IQ is unmatched compared to other players in this class. While his measurements do not jump off the page, Downs has the intelligence and athleticism to be an immediate impact on defense.
Tenth overall pick: Jordyn Tyson, wide receiver, Arizona State
Six teams in the 2026 NFL draft own two first-round selections. That includes the Giants after they traded Lawrence to the Bengals. It’s the second time since 2022 that New York has had multiple picks in the top ten. Earlier in this first-round mock draft, the Giants selected Caleb Downs out of Ohio State. With their second first-round selection, the team will be taking an offensive player. Carnell Tate is the most pro-ready wide receiver in this year’s draft class.
However, we do not anticipate Tate to be available for New York at 10. Instead, the front office will take a gamble and select Jordyn Tyson out of Arizona State. The 21-year-old receiver is arguably the most talented player at his position in the 2026 draft class. His most glaring weakness is injury history. Tyson was a collegiate teammate with Giants running back Cam Skattebo. New York general manager Joe Schoen met with Tyson during a pre-draft workout and had a private dinner with him. The six-foot-two wide receiver would be an elite pairing with Malik Nabers.
