As the NFL calendar turns its attention toward the 2026 Combine in Indianapolis, the New York Giants find themselves at a pivotal crossroads. With a new head coach at the helm and the No. 5 overall pick in April’s draft, Big Blue is staring down an offseason full of opportunity-and pressure. According to a recent two-round mock draft, the Giants could be looking to bolster both sides of the ball with high-upside talent, starting with one of the most explosive wide receivers in college football.
Giants Go Big at No. 5: Carnell Tate Brings Star Power to the Offense
In this projection, the Giants use their top-five selection on Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate, a move that would signal a clear commitment to surrounding young quarterback Jaxson Dart with elite playmakers. The pick leans into a “best player available” approach rather than chasing positional need-and with a talent like Tate on the board, it’s hard to argue.
Tate’s game is built on precision and toughness. At 6-foot-3 and 195 pounds, he’s a big-bodied target with strong hands and a knack for winning in contested-catch situations. He doesn’t just run routes-he carves them with surgical detail, making life easier for his quarterback and creating separation even when defenders stick like glue.
Coming off a standout junior season at Ohio State, Tate posted 51 catches for 875 yards and 9 touchdowns in just 11 games, averaging a blistering 17.2 yards per reception. That kind of production, especially in a loaded Buckeyes offense, speaks volumes. And he did it all while sharing the field with another top-tier talent in Jeremiah Smith, proving he can thrive even when he’s not the only show in town.
Pairing Tate with a healthy Malik Nabers could give the Giants one of the most dangerous young receiving tandems in the league. Nabers, when on the field, has already shown he can be a game-changer. Add Tate to the mix, and suddenly Jaxson Dart has a dynamic duo that can stretch the field, win in traffic, and make life miserable for defensive coordinators.
Tate’s collegiate résumé backs up the hype. Over three seasons, he totaled 121 catches for 1,872 yards and 14 touchdowns, with at least one reception in 37 of 39 games. He was a Second-Team All-American and First-Team All-Big Ten selection in 2025, and his tape shows a player who’s not just productive, but polished and pro-ready.
Second Round Focus: D’Angelo Ponds Brings Grit to the Secondary
With their second-round pick (No. 37 overall), the Giants shift their focus to the other side of the ball, selecting Indiana cornerback D’Angelo Ponds-a player whose stock has surged after a standout performance in the College Football Playoff.
Ponds was a key piece of Indiana’s National Championship run, and his Rose Bowl Defensive Player of the Game honors only added to his rising profile. Despite being just 5-foot-9 and 174 pounds, Ponds played with the kind of physical edge and technique that made him one of the most reliable cover men in the country.
In 2025, he didn’t allow a single touchdown in coverage-an eye-popping stat that speaks to both his discipline and instincts. He finished the season with 61 tackles, 11 pass breakups, and 2 interceptions, and while some project him as a nickelback due to his size, Ponds actually spent the majority of his snaps-85% of them-on the outside.
That’s significant, especially for a Giants defense that struggled to find consistency in the secondary last season. With Cor’Dale Flott hitting free agency, Ponds could be a plug-and-play replacement, bringing a similar blend of aggression and coverage ability. He’s not the biggest corner, but he plays with confidence, leverage, and a nose for the football.
Over three college seasons-one at James Madison and two at Indiana-Ponds racked up 167 total tackles, 33 pass breakups, and 7 interceptions, including two pick-sixes and even two blocked punt touchdowns. He’s a playmaker in every sense of the word, and he fits the mold of what new defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson wants in his press-coverage scheme: a fearless, sticky corner who competes on every snap.
Building a Foundation
If this mock draft scenario plays out, the Giants could walk away with two high-impact starters-one on each side of the ball. Carnell Tate gives Jaxson Dart a legitimate WR1B to pair with Nabers, and D’Angelo Ponds injects toughness and playmaking into a secondary that needs both.
It’s not just about filling holes-it’s about laying the foundation for a team that wants to compete in the NFC East again. With a new head coach, a young quarterback, and the right pieces around him, the Giants are in position to take a big step forward.
These two picks? They’d be a heck of a start.