The Giants handled free agency with intent.
They added Darnell Mooney to complement Malik Nabers, brought in Isaiah Likely to work the middle of the field, and kept continuity along the offensive line with Jermaine Eluemunor, Evan Neal, and Aaron Stinnie. On defense, adding Tremaine Edmunds and Greg Newsome gives them stability at linebacker and corner.
This roster has direction. Now it is about adding impact players and filling out the depth chart.
Round 1, Pick 5
New York Giants select Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
This is about adding another weapon to the offense.
Carnell Tate ran a 4.53 at the combine with a 1.61 10-yard split. That time ranked among the slower wide receivers in this class, but it has not shown up as a real issue on tape. He consistently creates separation with route running, timing, and body control.
The concern for some scouts is context. He often faced a team’s second corner and did not see consistent double teams. That will be different at the next level.
In New York, that is not a problem. Malik Nabers is already the focal point of the defense and Darnell Mooney brings vertical speed. Tate can come in and play his game without being forced into a WR1 role.
He fits naturally as the bigger-bodied complement in the room. A big Robin to a smaller Batman.
This gives Jaxson Dart another reliable option and makes the passing attack more complete.
Round 2, Pick 37
New York Giants select Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
Cisse helps this defense immediately.
He posted a 41-inch vertical and a 10’11 broad jump at the combine, showing the type of explosiveness that translates to coverage. Even without a 40 time, his ability to stay in phase shows up on film.
The Giants already have Greg Newsome and Paulson Adebo, but you can never have enough corners. This adds another player who can compete for snaps and strengthens the secondary as a whole.
Round 4, Pick 105
New York Giants select Genesis Smith, S, Arizona
This is a strong value pick.
Genesis Smith tested well across the board with a 42.5-inch vertical, a 10’8 broad jump, and a 4.18 shuttle. That kind of explosiveness and short-area quickness shows up in how he moves on the field.
He brings range and playmaking ability to the backend. The Giants added pieces in the secondary already, but this gives them another athlete who can impact the game in multiple ways. A lot of analyst have the Giants taking Caleb Downs in the first round. Well, it the Giants choose to pivot or if Downs is not available Genesis offers a great value selection in the 4th round.
Round 5, Pick 145
New York Giants select Kaytron Allen, RB, Penn State
The Giants continue to build out the backfield.
Kaytron Allen measured in at 5’11, 218 pounds and chose not to run at his pro day. When asked how he would have tested, he kept it simple: “I’d run fast.”
His game is built on strength, balance, and finishing runs. He gives the Giants a physical option who can handle carries and complement the rest of the room.
Round 6, Pick 186
New York Giants select Owen Heinecke, LB, Oklahoma
Heinecke adds athletic depth to the linebacker group.
He ran a 4.62 in the 40 with a 34.5-inch vertical and a 9’11 broad jump. His 7.15 three-cone shows he can change direction well.
With Tremaine Edmunds already in place, this is about adding another linebacker who can develop and contribute on special teams early.
Round 6, Pick 192
New York Giants select Quintayvious Hutchins, EDGE, Boston College
Hutchins gives the Giants another edge presence.
He ran a 4.74 with a 37-inch vertical and a 1.73 10-yard split. That first step shows up when he gets off the ball.
This is a depth addition, but it is also about bringing in another player who can develop into part of the rotation.
Round 6, Pick 193
New York Giants select Tyren Montgomery, WR, John Carroll
The Giants continue to add to the receiver room.
Montgomery had a strong Senior Bowl week and showed why his game translates. His route running is clean and he consistently creates separation.
He brings an 80.8 player rating and enough speed to threaten defenses. At this point in the draft, adding that level of polish makes sense.
Final Thoughts
The Giants used free agency to stabilize key areas of the roster, and this draft builds on that foundation.
They added another weapon in Carnell Tate, strengthened the secondary, and brought in depth across multiple positions. Who is going to have it better than the Giants? Nobody in the NFC East, once Harbaugh truly puts his stamp on this team and grows to love Jaxson Dart like Brian Daboll did. Honestly, it is sad to see that type of true love be separated, but here we are in 2026, knowing that the Giants will be much better after the 2026 Draft than they were last season.
The addition already point to a more potent team and the draft will only add to that potency on both offense and defense. There is balance here. There is direction. And there is a clear effort to build a roster that can compete on both sides of the ball.
