Giants Have Received Calls About No. 5

With one week remaining until the opening round of the draft, calls amongst teams will no doubt pick up. Movement near the top of the board could involve the Giants.

New York is currently slated to select fifth overall. The team has been mentioned as one to watch with respect to a move down the board, something which will of course only be feasible if a strong enough trade market exists. Things on that front can change over the coming days, but interest is being shown from potential suitors for the Giants’ top pick.

GM Joe Schoen said (via Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post) calls have been made recently with teams sending out “feelers” about the fifth overall selection. Interest to one extent or another is always present leading up to a draft, and in 2026 teams have indeed inquired about the No. 1 pick even though its fate has long been known. The number of teams prepared to move out of a premium spot in a class defined by its depth rather than its star power will make for a key storyline over the coming week.

If the Giants remain in place, they will have a number of intriguing options to choose from. Running back Jeremiyah Love has been named as a strong consideration, but even if the Notre Dame star is available the team could look to add on defense. ESPN’s Adam Schefter predicts (video link) preference will ultimately been shown for safety Caleb Downs or linebacker Sonny Styles. Both Ohio State standouts would be expected to make an immediate impact upon arrival and serve as a mainstay for several years.

Positional value will be put to the test in the opening stages of this year’s draft. Each member of the Love-Downs-Styles trio plays in a spot not weighted as heavily as quarterback, offensive tackle, receiver, edge rusher or corner when it comes to contract value or draft investments. That factor will no doubt be a major consideration as teams lower in the Day 1 order contemplate a move up the board. The Cowboys have emerged as a potential team to watch on that front, with a trade from No. 12 into the top five frequently mentioned as a possibility.

The Giants’ second pick is No. 37. Schoen indicated (via Dunleavy) he is confident a trade down from that spot can be worked out. The early and middle portions of Day 2 regularly include trading up and down the board, so it would come as no surprise if Schoen elected to add more picks for later in the event at that point. His preparation for No. 5 will continue, but a trade moving New York out of that spot could become tangible if a strong market develops in the near future.