dailynewsnblog
It’s remarkable how mock drafting has changed over the years. My first full-time season covering the NFL was in 2016. Then, as now, these held real value this time of year. But for seven-round mocks, you needed a big board and had to guess who might be available in each round.
Now, there are countless simulators, each more detailed than the last. This year’s version from Pro Football Focus is particularly impressive.
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We took it for a spin a week before the real thing in Pittsburgh. Here’s how it played out for the Giants:
Round 1, No. 5 overall: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
This selection came after running back Jeremiyah Love (Notre Dame) and linebacker Sonny Styles (Ohio State) went to the Cardinals and Titans, respectively. There’s significant buzz in league circles, per sources, that the draft could unfold exactly that way. The Cardinals could opt for whichever pass rusher the Jets pass on at No. 2, but don’t be surprised if they select Love. There’s a lot of smoke there.
With Styles off the board, the Giants land Downs, giving new head coach John Harbaugh his Kyle Hamilton in New York. It should be noted: there’s a strong chance this is the pick even if Styles is available.
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Round 2, No. 37 overall: G Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon
There weren’t many appealing receiving options here, so Harbaugh and GM Joe Schoen bolster the offensive line. Pregnon, at 6-foot-4 and 314 pounds, brings size and power. The Giants attempted to address guard in free agency but lost Alijah Vera-Tucker to the Patriots. Pregnon can compete with Daniel Faalele and Lucas Patrick for a starting role.
Round 4, No. 105 overall: WR De’Zhaun Stribling, Mississippi
The Giants could have addressed receiver earlier if the right option fell to No. 37, but Stribling is too good to pass up here. He’s 6-foot-2, 207 pounds and ran a 4.36-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. He totaled 107 receptions for 1,693 yards and 12 touchdowns over his final two seasons at Mississippi.
Mississippi Rebels wide receiver De’zhaun Stribling (1) makes a catch against the Miami Hurricanes in the second half during the 2026 Fiesta Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at State Farm Stadium. / Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Round 5, No. 145 overall: OT Trey Zuhn III, Texas A&M
Few prospects bring Zuhn’s experience. He started 50 games in college, including 48 at left tackle. He may project as a guard at the next level due to shorter arms (32.5 inches), but his versatility makes him a valuable addition to a 53-man roster.
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Round 6, No. 192 overall: IDL Cole Brevard, Texas
The uncertainty surrounding Dexter Lawrence exposed a lack of depth along the interior defensive line. The Giants aren’t far removed from relying on DJ Davidson for meaningful snaps. It’s difficult to count on sixth-round picks, but Brevard offers size (6-foot-3, 346 pounds) and developmental upside as a run-stuffer.
Round 6, No. 193 overall: DL Quintayvious Hutchins, Boston College
The Giants have a history with Boston College prospects. Hutchins recorded nine tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks over his final two seasons. He plays with a high motor, can contribute on special teams, and has the potential to develop into a rotational defensive lineman.
