A new rumor suggests the New York Giants are in favor of trading down or out of Round 1 despite having the fifth overall selection in April's NFL Draft.
The only benefit to having a terrible season in the NFL is that it means a team will have a premium selection in the early rounds of the draft. After finishing 4-13 in 2025, the NY Giants traded away the No. 5 pick at next month's event. The suffering of the fans last season now provides a big opportunity for the team.
One of the top five franchises gets a chance to pick a player who can be the cornerstone of their roster for at least the next five years. In 2026, there are some very good prospects available, and the players who have been most linked to the NY Giants in recent weeks are Ohio State stars Caleb Downs and Carnell Tate, and Heisman Trophy finalist Jeremiah Love.
All of them have the potential to become impact players in the coming years. However, there are many football evaluators who believe the prospects for the 2027 class are even better. And that's why the NY Giants would be willing to give up the No. 5 pick.
NY Giants will trade up from No. 5 pick to acquire 2027 NFL Draft assets
"Sure, if they can do it," SNY NFL insider Connor Hughes wrote in response to a fan's question about whether the team could trade up in Round 1. “Recapturing additional draft capital this year — or in a much more talent-rich class in 2027 — would be perfect [John] Harbaugh's Alley. “It’s hard to see that happen.”
Trading away a top-five pick may disappoint some Big Blue fans. However, the strategy makes sense as the team could use players with long-term impact at certain positions. Yet, Hughes also revealed why getting more assets into next year's event could prove difficult.
"Teams are already holding on to every piece of the 2027 draft," he wrote. "You can probably find something in this year's class, but to go down, someone needs to come up. There really aren't a lot of players capable of doing that."
If the NY Giants were to give up such a big pick, they would need a serious comeback. It seems likely that another first or second rounder will return next year. If that opportunity comes, it seems like the team could be convinced to trade out of Round 1 when the draft return date is 2027.
