The New York Giants could be sitting in the power chair with the 2026 NFL draft news and rumors that quarterback-needy teams may be looking to trade up to No. 1 overall.
One such rumored franchise is the cross-town rival New York Jets, and Pro Football Network analyst James Fragoza predicted that the Giants and Jets will agree to a blockbuster deal before late April. Below is the projected return.
- Jets get: No. 1 overall pick, select QB Dante Moore.
- Giants get: Pick Nos. 4, 35, and 105 in 2026, plus a 2027 1st (updated with Jets’ current spots in draft order).
Needless to say, the next Giants regime could use a monster haul like this to rebuild their roster in several areas, and Fragoza believes Big Blue will use the majority of it on defense — with a secondary trade in the works as well.
Giants Rumor Trades Kayvon Thibodeaux to Patriots During 2026 NFL Draft
Before we discuss who Fragoza has the Giants selecting with their haul of draft picks, it’d be prudent to note a second trade later in his prediction.
At pick No. 93 of the 2026 NFL Draft, the football analyst suggested the G-Men trade underwhelming former first-round edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux to the New England Patriots. In return, NYG would get pick No. 93 and a 2027 4th rounder.
This would give them four picks inside the top 100 of the 2026 draft, not to mention pick No. 105 from the Jets. And aside from one integral selection, Fragoza has Big Blue going all defense.
Giants Could Make News With Total Draft Overhaul
In Fragoza’s mock, which utilizes PFN’s official mock draft simulator, he has the Giants adding the following players.
- Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano (4th overall).
- Oregon edge rusher Matayo Uiagalelei (34th overall).
- Arizona State cornerback Keith Abney II (35th overall).
- Texas A&M linebacker Taurean York (93rd overall).
- Plus pick No. 105, a 2027 1st, and a 2027 4th (all undetermined).
As for the explanations of why, Fragoza gave a brief blurb for each prediction.
“Jaxson Dart, Cam Skattebo, and Malik Nabers. That’s quite the offensive trio,” the writer began, while discussing his Fano pick. “Only problem is, Dart (concussions), Skattebo (broken ankle), and Nabers (torn ACL) have all suffered serious injuries this season. Assuming health, the best thing the New York Giants can do to improve the offense is to ensure Dart remains upright. So, they take the top tackle prospect in the class: Spencer Fano.”
With Andrew Thomas dug in at left tackle, Fano would project as the Giants’ new starting right tackle, replacing impending free agent Jermaine Eluemunor.
Next up was Uiagalelei, who Fragoza noted “isn’t often lumped in with the 2026 NFL Draft’s top EDGE prospects, but his 14.5 sacks and 20 tackles for loss across the last two years have turned plenty of heads.” He added that “at 6’5″, 270 pounds with ideal length, explosive traits, and a surprisingly polished pass-rush arsenal, he checks all the early-round boxes physically.”
Fragoza also relayed that Abney was a “significant reason” for Arizona State’s strong defensive turnaround in 2025, citing 9 pass breakups and 3 interceptions. “Although the team couldn’t mirror its success in 2025, Abney once again shut down his side of the field,” Fragoza continued.
Finally, he described York as a “fear-evoking second-level defender” who has the “speed to diagnose plays and spear through opponents upfield, which routinely results in negative outcomes for the offense.”
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