NFL.com and The Athletic Unveil Comprehensive 3-Round Mock Drafts
The conclusion of the NFL 2025 season has initiated a fresh wave of speculation and projections for the 2026 offseason. Analysts from prominent media outlets, including NFL.com and The Athletic, have released their comprehensive three-round mock drafts, offering insights into potential selections for various teams, including the New York Giants.
NFL.com and The Athletic’s Mock Drafts Overview
As part of their analysis, two key names surfaced for the Giants concerning their first-round draft pick.
NFL.com Projection: Mansoor Delane
- Pick: 5th overall
- Player: Mansoor Delane
- Position: Cornerback
- College: LSU
NFL.com analyst Chad Reuter highlighted Mansoor Delane as a fitting selection for the Giants. Delane, who began his college career at Virginia Tech from 2022 to 2024, recorded impressive statistics. He tallied six interceptions and defended 16 passes over 33 games. In his final year with Virginia Tech, he garnered third-team All-ACC honors with four interceptions and seven pass breakups.
Transferring to LSU in 2025, Delane’s performance peaked with 45 tackles, two interceptions, and 11 passes defended. His efforts landed him Unanimous All-American recognition and a first-team All-SEC selection. Reuter noted that Giants’ head coach John Harbaugh has a defensively-minded history, making Delane an appealing choice for bolstering the secondary.
The Athletic Projection: Carnell Tate
- Pick: 5th overall
- Player: Carnell Tate
- Position: Wide Receiver
- College: Ohio State
In contrast, Nick Baumgardner from The Athletic suggested they go with wide receiver Carnell Tate. Baumgardner emphasized Tate’s potential, deeming him a frontrunner in the ongoing WR1 debates. During Ohio State’s impressive 2024 season—leading to a national championship—Tate caught 52 passes for 733 yards and four touchdowns.
Moving into his junior year, Tate’s expanded role led to standout performance, achieving 875 receiving yards and nine touchdowns despite a mid-season injury. He demonstrated his resilience by returning to grab touchdowns in crucial late-season games.
Second Round Draft Projections
Moving to the second round, the mock drafts presented differing prospects again for the Giants.
NFL.com Selection: Monroe Freeling
- Pick: 37th overall
- Player: Monroe Freeling
- Position: Offensive Tackle
- College: Georgia
NFL.com projected Monroe Freeling, a 6-foot-7, 315-pound offensive tackle, as a strong fit. Having played all 13 games for Georgia and earning second-team All-SEC honors, Freeling brings necessary size and experience to bolster the Giants’ offensive line.
The Athletic Selection: Chris Johnson
- Pick: 37th overall
- Player: Chris Johnson
- Position: Cornerback
- College: San Diego State
On the other hand, The Athletic forecasted that the Giants would select Chris Johnson in the second round. Johnson is coming off a remarkable season at San Diego State, where he was recognized as the Mountain West Co-Defensive Player of the Year. He allowed only 185 receiving yards during the season, featuring four interceptions and nine pass breakups, showcasing his significant impact on the field.
As the Giants and their fans anticipate the upcoming draft, these projections will continue to generate conversation and excitement about the future roster. Stay tuned to Filmogaz.com for more updates and in-depth analysis as the draft draws near.
