The New York Giants are more likely to stay put and draft either a quarterback or Colorado corner/receiver Travis Hunter than anything else. But in the infinite permutations of the NFL Draft, there's a world in which the Giants trade down.
Maybe the New York Jets send a godfather offer for Hunter or his quarterback Shedeur Sanders, or the Las Vegas Raiders want to double down at quarterback, or general manager Joe Schoen is set on loading up on picks for the 2026 class. Whatever the reason, or the team, Schoen may find a trade partner, especially in the top 10.
With so much attention spent on Hunter, the quarterbacks, and edge rusher Abdul Carter, it's worth examining the next tier of targets.
The Giants could target these three prospects in trade down within the top-10 picks.
Michigan Defensive Tackle Mason Graham
If there's a dark horse to sneak into the draft's top four picks, it's Graham. Billed as an elite defensive tackle prospect, Graham came in a bit smaller than advertised during the pre-draft process but has a blend of production, athleticism, and film that some teams will fall in love with.
For New York, the argument is simple. Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence needs a running mate, and pairing him with a high-pedigree tackle prospect is a quick route to an elite defensive line.
This achieves a similar goal to drafting Carter and allows the Giants to add draft capital in the process.
Michigan Corner Will Johnson
Hunter doesn't have many detractors, but those that are hesitant to spend a top-three pick on him will argue that he isn't the best receiver or corner in the class (a debatable assertion in its own right).
If Hunter isn't the best corner in April's draft, Johnson is. Graham's teammate at Michigan, Johnson has been a top-15 pick throughout the cycle. He's physical and fluid, and while his speed might not be quantifiably elite, he makes up for it with good processing and ball skills.
Drafting a corner in Round 1 would complete the starting secondary and let Deonte Banks take on a smaller role, rather than hoping to improve on the fly in Year 3.
Related: Could Abdul Carter Push Thibodeaux Out The Door in a Giants Trade?
Missouri Offensive Tackle Armand Membou
Given how New York's offensive line performed in the first third of the season and the depth Schoen added in March, the offensive line isn't an urgent need. However, a long-term tackle opposite Andrew Thomas isn't necessarily on the roster.
A Membou selection would allow right guard Greg Van Roten to start over John Michael Schmitz at center, with Eluemunor kicking inside and the rookie starting from the jump, meaning the Giants could start their best five offensive linemen.
With elite athleticism, a dense frame, and flashes of high-level pass protection, New York stands to benefit from improving its supporting cast while preparing to draft a quarterback in 2026.
Related: Giants Pick Winston's Competition in Two-Round Mock
Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published March 29, 2025 at 6:35 PM.
Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal