{"id":576104,"date":"2026-04-10T15:11:18","date_gmt":"2026-04-10T15:11:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/576104\/"},"modified":"2026-04-10T15:11:18","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T15:11:18","slug":"15-fits-for-the-giants-first-two-nfl-draft-picks-with-help-from-the-beast","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/576104\/","title":{"rendered":"15 fits for the Giants\u2019 first two NFL Draft picks \u2014 with help from \u2018The Beast\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"

For prospects preparing to enter the NFL and the teams getting ready to select them, the draft at the end of April is the biggest day on the calendar.<\/p>\n

And if you\u2019re a fan, \u201cThe Beast\u201d release day might rival that. On Wednesday, The Athletic draft guru Dane Brugler published the latest edition of his essential draft guide<\/a>, covering more than 2,000 prospects with more than 400 player profiles. It is an indispensable tool for anyone interested in the draft \u2014 including beat writers!<\/p>\n

Using \u201cThe Beast,\u201d we compiled 15 potential first- and second-round targets for the New York Giants. As of now, they own the Nos. 5 and 37 picks in the first two rounds. These are the key specs, a snippet from Brugler\u2019s scouting report for each, and a breakdown of why they might fit in New York.<\/p>\n

FIRST ROUND<\/p>\n

RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
The Beast\u2019s Top 100 rank: No. 2 overall, RB1
Height: 6\u20190\u2019\u2019 \u2022 Weight: 212 lbs.
Age: 20.90
2025 stats: 199 carries, 1,372 yards, 18 TDs in 12 games<\/p>\n

Scouting report: \u201cOverall, Love is an explosive athlete with a remarkable blend of balance and burst to be dynamic as both a runner and in the passing game. He is one of the most talented players in the 2026 draft class and projects as a high-upside NFL weapon.\u201d<\/p>\n

The fit: Here we go again with positional value and running backs. Giants fans know the conversation all too well after Saquon Barkley. But as this team moves forward with a new coaching staff, the front office has acknowledged it\u2019s in a different spot heading into the 2026 season than it was during Barkley negotiations a few years back. There\u2019s a young quarterback on a rookie deal and a more complete offensive line. That means conversations around Love, who is one of the top prospects in this class, can be entertained more seriously. Plus, new coach John Harbaugh really likes<\/a> the back out of Notre Dame.<\/p>\n

The Giants\u2019 running back room features the physical Cam Skattebo and fullback Patrick Ricard. Love fits with the toughness the Giants are looking to bring. We\u2019ll see if the Giants stick with their No. 5 pick and if they believe he\u2019s still the best player available, should he be available there.<\/p>\n

LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
The Beast\u2019s Top 100 rank: No. 4, LB1
Height: 6\u20195\u2019\u2019 \u2022 Weight: 244 lbs.
Age: 21.41
2025 stats: 82 tackles, 6.5 TFLs, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, 3 PDs, one interception in 14 games<\/p>\n

Scouting report: \u201cStyles is an outstanding size-speed athlete who is comfortable in space, reacts well to what he sees and plays with the physicality to mark up the stat sheet. With elite subpackage value, he has the talent to become an impact linebacker early in his NFL career.\u201d<\/p>\n

The fit: The Giants overhauled their inside linebacker room this offseason. Bobby Okereke was a cap casualty, and they brought in Tremaine Edmunds during free agency. Defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson called Edmunds someone who \u201cplays with a high motor.\u201d Next to Edmunds figures to be Micah McFadden, who re-signed after missing most of last season with an injury.<\/p>\n

But if the Giants really wanted to change the linebackers room, bringing in Styles could be the ticket to not only completing the overhaul but also emphasizing how important stopping the run is to this team.<\/p>\n

S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
The Beast\u2019s Top 100 rank: No. 5, S1
Height: 6\u20190\u2019\u2019 \u2022 Weight: 206 lbs.
Age: 21.37
2025 stats: 68 tackles, 5 TFLs, 1 sack, 2 forced fumbles, 3 PDs, 2 interceptions in 14 games<\/p>\n

Scouting report: \u201cDowns sees the field like it\u2019s a chess board and plays with an exceptional combination of intelligence, urgency and toughness, allowing him to be disruptive from anywhere on the field. His intangibles and on-field versatility will make him an impactful NFL starter early in his career.\u201d<\/p>\n

The fit: Selecting a safety with the No. 5 pick would certainly be splashy, but wouldn\u2019t you expect Harbaugh to be bold in his first draft with the Giants? The team has Jevon Holland and Tyler Nubin as starting safeties, but Downs would reset the room entirely. Brugler has previously written that, \u201cOne could argue that (Downs) is the best safety prospect since Eric Berry, a top-10 pick (fifth overall) of the Chiefs 16 years ago.\u201d That\u2019s an exciting proposition if the Giants want to transform the secondary.<\/p>\n

CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
The Beast\u2019s Top 100 rank: No. 6, CB1
Height: 6\u20190\u2019\u2019 \u2022 Weight: 182 lbs.
Age: 22.35
2025 stats: 45 tackles, 13 PDs, 2 interceptions in 11 games<\/p>\n

Scouting report: \u201cDelane plays with the route anticipation and temperament to stay attached in coverage and squeeze catch windows. He projects as a starting outside NFL cornerback, with the skill set to move inside over the slot.\u201d<\/p>\n

The fit: The cornerback spot has been a question mark for the Giants the last few seasons, with the team bringing in Paulson Adebo last offseason. It was Cor\u2019Dale Flott who had a breakout year, but he landed a big free-agent deal with the Titans. The Giants turned to Greg Newsome on a one-year deal to pair with Adebo and Andru Phillips inside. Using a top pick on a corner would add a more long-term option to the room. Brugler called Delane \u201carguably the best cornerback in college football\u201d last season.<\/p>\n

OL Spencer Fano, Utah
The Beast\u2019s Top 100 rank: No. 8, OT1
Height: 6\u20196\u2019\u2019 \u2022 Weight: 311 lbs.
Age: 21.47
2025 stats: 12 games at RT<\/p>\n

Scouting report: \u201cFano has the feet, demeanor and recovery balance of a starting NFL tackle. He also has a knack for losing slowly, despite possessing average length and core strength. He has the talent to be an immediate NFL starter at right tackle or guard.\u201d<\/p>\n

The fit: The Giants have their tackles, with Andrew Thomas returning on the left side and Jermaine Eluemunor back on a three-year deal to anchor the right side. They have backup tackle depth in Marcus Mbow, last year\u2019s fifth-round pick. And they have plenty of interior depth pieces to compete for the right guard spot, which remains a question mark. But the Giants have yet to bring in a true starter this offseason, and that\u2019s why they need to look to the trenches in this draft. Enter Fano, who is the top tackle for Brugler. In terms of tackle backup, Brugler has him as a more natural right tackle than left. But you\u2019re not using a top pick on a backup player. Could the Giants view Fano\u2019s NFL future at guard and select him as someone who could be plugged in right away?<\/p>\n

Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
The Beast\u2019s Top 100 rank: No. 9, Edge3
Height: 6\u20192\u2019\u2019 \u2022 Weight: 263 lbs.
Age: 21.62
2025 stats: 54 tackles, 15.5 TFLs, 9.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 PD, 1 interception in 16 games<\/p>\n

Scouting report: \u201cBain has some size\/speed constraints, but his power profile, leveraged attack and tenacious play style show in all areas of his game and directly lead to backfield disruption. He projects as a scheme-versatile NFL starter who can line up wide, over the tackle or inside as a three-technique.\u201d<\/p>\n

The fit: OK, yes, we know the Giants don\u2019t need another edge. It\u2019s arguably their strongest position on the roster with Brian Burns and last year\u2019s No. 3 pick Abdul Carter, along with Kayvon Thibodeaux. But hear us out \u2014 specifically the \u201cscheme-versatile NFL starter\u201d part of Brugler\u2019s scouting report. Imagine Bain paired inside at three-technique alongside Dexter Lawrence (assuming a deal is reached<\/a>) with Burns and Carter on the outside. That\u2019s a pretty scary thought for opposing offenses. Again, the likelihood the Giants go edge when they just went that route last draft? Slim. But why not?<\/p>\n

WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
The Beast\u2019s Top 100 rank: No. 10, WR1
Height: 6\u20192\u2019\u2019 \u2022 Weight: 192 lbs.
Age: 21.26
2025 stats: 51 receptions, 875 yards, 9 TDs in 11 games<\/p>\n

Scouting report: \u201cOverall, Tate is a long, technically proficient receiver who can win at all three levels using high-level tracking\/adjustment skills and catching radius. He projects as an immediate NFL starting Z with Pro Bowl upside.\u201d<\/p>\n

The fit: The wide receiver room is in an interesting spot after Wan\u2019Dale Robinson departed in free agency. The featured star is Malik Nabers, who is recovering from a torn ACL and meniscus. While the hope is Nabers will be ready for the season, the receiver said earlier this offseason he\u2019ll be ready on his own timeline. During free agency, the Giants added veteran support in the form of 28-year-old Darnell Mooney and 27-year-old Calvin Austin III, who both signed one-year deals. The room could use another young, starter-ready option for quarterback Jaxson Dart.<\/p>\n

G Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
The Beast\u2019s Top 100 rank: No. 12, G1
Height: 6\u20194\u2019\u2019 \u2022 Weight: 320 lbs.
Age: 22.01
2025 stats: LG for 11 games<\/p>\n

Scouting report: \u201cOverall, Ioane is a thick, sturdy blocker who consistently holds his ground in pass protection and covers up defenders in the run game. Built in the mold of Steve Avila, he projects as a long-term NFL starter at either guard spot.\u201d<\/p>\n

The fit: The Giants added Lucas Patrick and Daniel Faalele this week to pair with the guard depth options already on the roster, which also includes Aaron Stinnie, Evan Neal and Josh Ezeudu. But a long-term option from the draft feels like a must. The question is whether they\u2019ll use a first-round pick on the position. Ioane could be the option as Brugler\u2019s top-ranked guard. And if the Giants do trade back in the first, he could be an ideal selection.<\/p>\n

WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
The Beast\u2019s Top 100 rank: No. 20, WR3
Height: 6\u20192\u2019\u2019 \u2022 Weight: 203 lbs.
Age: 21.69
2025 stats: 61 receptions, 711 yards, 8 TDs in nine games<\/p>\n

Scouting report: \u201cTyson\u2019s injury history is concerning, but on the field, he is a sleek, twitched-up athlete who can create his own separation and win outside his frame at the catch point. He projects as an NFL starter (inside or outside), with a skill set that reminds me of Stefon Diggs.\u201d<\/p>\n

The fit: Again, if the Giants trade back from the No. 5 spot, perhaps they go with a receiver who has a first-round\/second-round grade but might feel too rich of a selection at No. 5. Though with one receiver already questionable to start the season due to injury, Tyson\u2019s medical history (he\u2019s missed games in each of his four seasons) might be too much to ignore.<\/p>\n

SECOND ROUND<\/p>\n

CB Chris Johnson, San Diego State
The Beast\u2019s Top 100 rank: No. 24, CB3
Height: 6\u20190\u2019\u2019 \u2022 Weight: 193 lbs.
Age: 21.45
2025 stats: 49 tackles, 8 PDs, 4 interceptions in 11 games<\/p>\n

Scouting report: \u201cJohnson offers a combination of instinctive eyes and athletic movement skills that allow him to consistently make plays on the football. He should compete for a starting role on day one, while also making an impact on special teams.\u201d<\/p>\n

The fit: If the Giants are looking for a long-term solution at an outside corner spot, Johnson is a candidate. While Johnson can \u201cget big-boyed at times by receivers and in the run game, \u2026 he doesn\u2019t go down without a fight,\u201d per Brugler. That effort would be an encouraging trait for this new coaching staff.<\/p>\n

DT Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
The Beast\u2019s Top 100 rank: No. 32, DT1
Height: 6\u20192\u2019\u2019 \u2022 Weight: 326 lbs.
Age: 21.12
2025 stats: 65 tackles, 9.0 TFLS, 3.0 sacks, 2 forced fumbles in 14 games<\/p>\n

Scouting report: \u201cMcDonald will require time to develop a pass-rush identity, but his dominant run-game qualities will make him immediately useful from different interior alignments. He projects as an early-down rookie, with a role that should continue to expand.\u201d<\/p>\n

The fit: The top defensive tackle in Brugler\u2019s rankings, McDonald could be just what the Giants need if he\u2019s still available in the second round. And this from Brugler has to be music to Giants fans\u2019 ears: \u201cMcDonald\u2019s powerful skill set is at its best when he acts as a run defender.\u201d The Giants already needed to boost their defensive line, but with Lawrence publicly requesting a trade, that places even more emphasis on the need to bolster it.<\/p>\n

G Chase Bisontis, Texas A&M
The Beast\u2019s Top 100 rank: No. 34, G2
Height: 6\u20195\u2019\u2019 \u2022 Weight: 315 lbs.
Age: 21.87
2025 stats: LG in 13 games<\/p>\n

Scouting report: \u201cBisontis is a burly, sawed-off blocker with the body quickness and core strength to get the upper hand in all phases. He projects as an eventual NFL starter and has traits that will speak to both zone and power schemes.\u201d<\/p>\n

The fit: What could be better than landing a potential future starting guard? Landing a homegrown potential future starting guard \u2014 Bisontis went to New Jersey\u2019s Don Bosco Prep. He could be the next Jersey Giant if the New York franchise wanted to take more of a project player who could learn behind the depth pieces before taking over.<\/p>\n

WR Germie Bernard, Alabama
The Beast\u2019s Top 100 rank: No. 41, WR7
Height: 6\u20191\u2019\u2019 \u2022 Weight: 206 lbs.
Age: 22.39
2025 stats: 64 receptions, 862 yards, 7 TDs in 14 games<\/p>\n

Scouting report: \u201cBernard has a well-rounded, pro-ready skill set, with the frame, ball skills and smooth athleticism to be a dependable target. He projects as a starting Z receiver and as an NFL team\u2019s second or third option.\u201d<\/p>\n

The fit: Bernard could be the perfect fit alongside Nabers. The Giants should also be running a lot of 12 personnel after bringing in tight end Isaiah Likely, so having a go-to No. 2 receiver will be important. As Brugler notes, it will be more of a challenge for Bernard to create separation versus NFL corners, but he \u201ccompetes with the toughness to play through contact.\u201d A valuable trait.<\/p>\n

DT Christen Miller, Georgia
The Beast\u2019s Top 100 rank: No. 43, DT3
Height: 6\u20194\u2019\u2019 \u2022 Weight: 321 lbs.
Age: 21.71
2025 stats: 23 tackles, 4.0 TFLs, 1.5 sacks in 14 games<\/p>\n

Scouting report: \u201cMiller can be up and down with his anchor and rush consistency, but he is rock solid as a run defender who should excel on early downs. His role will shift depending on scheme, though he projects best as a one-gapping nose in a four-man front.\u201d<\/p>\n

The fit: \u201cRock solid as a run defender\u201d is good to hear. While the Giants have one of the better nose tackles in the league in Lawrence, Miller played multiple positions in college, so he\u2019s versatile even though his best position might be as a one-gapping nose tackle.<\/p>\n

G Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon
The Beast\u2019s Top 100 rank: No. 57, G3
Height: 6\u20194\u2019\u2019 \u2022 Weight: 314 lbs.
Age: 24.55
2025 stats: 14 games at LG and one game at RG<\/p>\n

Scouting report: \u201cPregnon checks the boxes for size, power and competitive demeanor that NFL teams \u2014 specifically, those running gap schemes \u2014 look for in a starting guard. His profile is reminiscent of a more explosive O\u2019Cyrus Torrence, and his draft projection should be similar.\u201d<\/p>\n

The fit: If the emphasis on the trenches wasn\u2019t clear, let\u2019s throw in one more guard. Pregnon checks all the NFL boxes and is Brugler\u2019s third-ranked guard. He\u2019s a late bloomer on the football field, per Brugler, so perhaps his best football is in front of him.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"For prospects preparing to enter the NFL and the teams getting ready to select them, the draft at…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":576105,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[67],"tags":[399,398,396,397,977,99],"class_list":{"0":"post-576104","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-ncaa-football","8":"tag-football","9":"tag-ncaa","10":"tag-ncaa-football","11":"tag-ncaafootball","12":"tag-new-york-giants","13":"tag-sports"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/576104","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=576104"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/576104\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/576105"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=576104"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=576104"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=576104"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}