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.
View photos of every NFL player selected with the fifth overall pick since the first draft in 1936.
DT Mason Graham - Cleveland Browns (2025)
OT Joe Alt - Los Angeles Chargers (2024)
CB Devon Witherspoon - Seattle Seahawks (2023)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux - New York Giants (2022)
WR Ja'Marr Chase - Cincinnati Bengals (2021)
QB Tua Tagovailoa - Miami Dolphins (2020)
LB Devin White - Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2019)
LB Bradley Chubb - Denver Broncos (2018)
WR Corey Davis - Tennessee Titans (2017)
CB Jalen Ramsey - Jacksonville Jaguars (2016)
G Brandon Scherff - Washington Redskins (2015)
LB Khalil Mack - Oakland Raiders (2014)
DE Ezekiel Ansah - Detroit Lions (2013)
WR Justin Blackmon - Jacksonville Jaguars (2012)
CB Patrick Peterson - Arizona Cardinals (2011)
S Eric Berry - Kansas City Chiefs (2010)
QB Mark Sanchez - New York Jets (2009)
DT Glenn Dorsey - Kansas City Chiefs (2008)
OT Levi Brown - Arizona Cardinals (2007)
LB A.J. Hawk - Green Bay Packers (2006)
RB Carnell Williams - Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2005)
S Sean Taylor - Washington Redskins (2004)
CB Terence Newman - Dallas Cowboys (2003)
CB Quentin Jammer - San Diego Chargers (2002)
RB LaDainian Tomlinson - San Diego Chargers (2001)
RB Jamal Lewis - Baltimore Ravens (2000)
RB Ricky Williams - New Orleans Saints (1999)
RB Curtis Enis - Chicago Bears (1998)
CB Bryant Westbrook - Detroit Lions (1997)
DE Cedric Jones - New York Giants (1996)
QB Kerry Collins - Carolina Panthers (1995)
LB Trev Alberts - Indianapolis Colts (1994)
DE John Copeland - Cincinnati Bengals (1993)
CB Terrell Buckley - Green Bay Packers (1992)
CB Todd Lyght - Los Angeles Rams (1991)
LB Junior Seau - San Diego Chargers (1990)
CB Deion Sanders - Atlanta Falcons (1989)
DB Rickey Dixon - Cincinnati Bengals (1988)
LB Mike Junkin - Cleveland Browns (1987)
LB Anthony Bell - St. Louis Cardinals (1986)
LB Duane Bickett - Indianapolis Colts (1985)
DT Bill Maas - Kansas City Chiefs (1984)
LB Billy Ray Smith - San Diego Chargers (1983)
QB Jim McMahon - Chicago Bears (1982)
LB E.J. Junior - St. Louis Cardinals (1981)
RB Curtis Dickey - Baltimore Colts (1980)
WR Jerry Butler - Buffalo Bills (1979)
RB Terry Miller - Buffalo Bills (1978)
DE Gary Jeter - New York Giants (1977)
CB Mike Haynes - New England Patriots (1976)
DE Mack Mitchell - Cleveland Browns (1975)
DT John Dutton - Baltimore Colts (1974)
DT Dave Butz - St. Louis Cardinals (1973)
TE Riley Odoms - Denver Broncos (1972)
DE Richard Harris - Originally drafted by Philadelphia Eagles (1971)
DE Al Cowlings - Buffalo Bills (1970)
QB Greg Cook - Cincinnati Bengals (1969)
LB Fred Carr - Green Bay Packers (1968)
LB George Webster - Houston Oilers (1967)
G John Niland - Dallas Cowboys (1966)
QB Craig Morton - Dallas Cowboys (1965)
QB Pete Beathard - Detroit Lions (1964)
OT Bob Vogel - Baltimore Colts (1963)
RB Bob Ferguson - Pittsburgh Steelers (1962)
TE Mike Ditka - Chicago Bears (1961)
RB Tom Moore - Green Bay Packers (1960)
DB Dave Baker - San Francisco 49ers (1959)
WR Jim Phillips - Originally drafted by Los Angeles Rams (1958)
QB Len Dawson - Pittsburgh Steelers (1957)
DB Art Davis - Pittsburgh Steelers (1956)
LB Tom Bettis - Green Bay Packers (1955)
QB Cotton Davidson - Baltimore Colts (1954)
QB Ted Marchibroda - Pittsburgh Steelers (1953)
B Johnny Bright - Philadelphia Eagles (1952)
DT Bob Gain - Green Bay Packers (1951)
C Joe Watson - Detroit Lions (1950)
QB Stan Heath - Green Bay Packers (1949)
C Vaughn Mancha - Boston Yanks (1948)
E Hub Bechtol - Pittsburgh Steelers (1947)
T George Connor - New York Giants (1946)
WR Elroy Hirsch - Cleveland Rams (1945)
HB Steve Van Buren - Philadelphia Eagles (1944)
HB Mike Holovak - Cleveland Rams (1943)
HB Bob Westfall - Detroit Lions (1942)
HB Jim Thomason - Detroit Lions (1941)
HB Olie Cordill - Cleveland Rams (1940)
HB Bob MacLeod - Brooklyn Dodgers (1939)
HB Jack Robbins - Chicago Cardinals (1938)
C Mike Basrak - Pittsburgh Pirates (1937)
HB Jimmy Lawrence - Chicago Cardinals (1936)
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."
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."
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."
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."
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."
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."
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."
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."
Pick: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Analysis: "The Giants believe in QB Jaxson Dart. Now they need to make sure they protect him."
Pick: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Analysis: "Arguably the star of this year's combine given the freakish traits (4.46 40-yard dash, 43½-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."
Pick: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Analysis: "Positional value be damned, Caleb Downs would be a perfect fit for the Giants here. New head coach John Harbaugh saw firsthand the impact a hybrid defensive back like Kyle Hamilton had on his defense in Baltimore, and Downs has the potential to provide that same type of influence in New York. He's an incredibly instinctive player who can thrive anywhere on the field. Downs also brings the kind of leadership and football IQ that should earn him a captain's role sooner rather than later, making him a foundational piece for this Giants defense. He reportedly knocked it out of the park in all his team interviews at the NFL Combine, too."
View photos from the Giants' suite in Indianapolis, where the team is gathered to evaluate the top draft prospects.
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."
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."
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."
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."
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."
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."
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."
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."
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."
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."
Pick: Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami
Analysis: "John Harbaugh and the Giants are tasked with investing in Jaxson Dart's development this offseason."
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."
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."
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."
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."
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."
Pick: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Analysis: "It's so hard to find off-ball linebackers who can do the things he can."
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."
NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah released his second ranking of the top 50 prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft.
No. 50 Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia
No. 49 Deion Burks, WR, Oklahoma
No. 48 Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati
No. 47 Zion Young, Edge, Missouri
No. 46 Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson
No. 45 Keionte Scott, CB, Miami
No. 44 Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame
No. 43 Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame
No. 42 Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
No. 41 Christen Miller, DT, Georgia
No. 40 Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
No. 39 R Mason Thomas, Edge, Oklahoma
No. 38 Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
No. 37 Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
No. 36 Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
No. 35 Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
No. 34 Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State
No. 33 KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
No. 32 T.J. Parker, Edge, Clemson
No. 31 Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
No. 30 Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
No. 29 Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
No. 28 Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn
No. 27 Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech
No. 26 Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
No. 25 Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
No. 24 Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
No. 23 Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
No. 22 CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
No. 21 Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M
No. 20 Akheem Mesidor, Edge, Miami
No. 19 Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
No. 18 Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
No. 17 Jordan Tyson, WR, Arizona State
No. 16 Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
No. 15 Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
No. 14 Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
No. 13 Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
No. 12 Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
No. 11 Olaivavega Ioane, IOL, Penn State
No. 10 Makai Lemon, WR, USC
No. 9 Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
No. 8 Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
No. 7 Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
No. 6 Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami
No. 5 Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
No. 4 Arvell Reese, Edge, Ohio State
No. 3 David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech
No. 2 Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
No. 1 Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
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