Dan Salomone

Indianapolis was once again the center of the football universe.

The league gathered last week for the annual NFL Scouting Combine, where more than 300 prospects participated in the ultimate job interview. What happened there is surely shaking up draft boards for all 32 teams.

Meanwhile, the draft wasn't the only news swirling around Indianapolis. NFL teams were informed on Friday that the 2026 salary cap has been set at $301.2 million per club, marking another record figure and a $22 million increase over last year.

With free agency set to open on March 11, below is a look at the latest mock drafts for the Giants with the No. 5 overall 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:Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Analysis:"Not everyone will be on board with drafting a safety this early, but Downs isn't a typical safety. He sees the field like a chessboard and plays with the instincts and competitive toughness that impact the game in substantial ways."

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:Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

Analysis:"Delane is a smothering presence outside with the ability to stay tight on all three levels and take the rock away."

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:Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

Analysis:"The Giants believe in QB Jaxson Dart. Now they need to make sure they protect him."

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."

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:Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

Analysis:"Tate is a long strider with a big catch radius and reliable hands who makes contested catches downfield look easy. He flashes quickness and short-area agility to create separation at the top of his route and has the ability to make defenders miss after the catch. His ball-tracking, route-running and ability to operate in space make him a Day 1 impact player at the next level."

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."

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