D
New York Giants
The Giants lost the trade table, and the D tells the story.
by Bill ·
2026 NFL Draft
· 10 picks
· 0 steals
· 6 reaches
The tape said wait; the Giants did not. Patrick Payton went at the 186th overall pick, a good 72 picks before the board was ready.
The trades bled value they could not afford to lose. For all the activity, safety went untouched, which is hard to explain. Interior defensive lineman was the priority and it is no longer a question, which is most of the job.
Bottom line, they will be counting on several picks to beat their grades.
Pick-by-Pick
In Round 1, Pick 5 they get a long-term starter on the line. The biggest hole, addressed.
Denzel Boston at the 37th pick is a sound buy, the sort that quietly helps a class. It also answers one of the loudest questions on the roster.
Value said wait; DeMonte Capehart in pick 75 says they were not listening. Top of the wish list, and they did not leave without it.
Fair-plus on Davison Igbinosun, a quiet win that adds up over a draft. It fills a real need, too.
A reach on Nicholas Singleton in pick No. 105; the board had better options right there. A real hole, addressed with a reasonable pick.
They jumped the gun on Kage Casey, taking him earlier than his grade liked. The biggest hole on the depth chart just got a whole lot smaller.
Bryce Boettcher in Round 5, Pick 11 is a bet on their own eyes over everyone else's grade. A minor itch, scratched.
A swing that ignored the value entirely, Patrick Payton well ahead of where he belonged. It patches a soft spot without any drama.
No edge and no loss on DJ Campbell in No. 192; it is a wash and a sensible one. They walked in needing this and walked out with it.
They paid a round early for Eric McAlister in the 193rd overall pick, more than the board wanted. It answers the question that was keeping the coaches up at night.