Giants Could Land the Next Justin Tuck in Surprising Offseason Move

The New York Giants are entering the offseason with some very obvious needs on both sides of the ball.

We know the Giants need help at defensive tackle, cornerback, wide receiver and offensive line, and with limited cap room, it will be impossible for New York to address all of the holes in free agency.

As a result, the Giants will have to rely heavily on the NFL Draft, where they own the No. 5 overall pick.

Many have New York selecting Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate at that spot, which is understandable. After all, Wan'Dale Robinson is hitting the open market, and Malik Nabers' health is in serious question heading into 2026.

But could Big Blue take a very interesting turn in the first round of the draft? And could that turn involve Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr.?

I'll start by saying that I am in no way, shape or form advising the Giants to select an edge rusher on Day 1. That's why I have been so firmly against New York taking Ohio State's Arvell Reese (who I feel actually has major bust potential, as well).

Bain, however, is a bit of a different case.

At 6-foot-3, 275 pounds, Bain is not your prototypical edge rusher. He is more of a pure defensive end, and some even feel he could ultimately become a three-tech on the professional level. And that's where things get really intriguing.

The Giants desperately need another defensive tackle alongside of Dexter Lawrence. They selected Darius Alexander on Day 2 last year, but he looks like more of a depth piece than anything else.

Could New York select Bain and kick him inside?

Bain reminds me quite a bit of Giants legend Justin Tuck, the Notre Dame product who primarily played on the end, but had the size and strength to play on the interior. Big Blue had Tuck lining up inside quite frequently and could do the same with Bain.

Bain racked up 54 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks and an interception this past season. While he is known as a pass rusher, he is also terrific against the run, which is where New York needs the most help along its defensive front.

Is Bain a space-eater? No, which is why I would actually prefer the Giants go with a more traditional defensive tackle. But Bain is so talented and so explosive — much like Abdul Carter last year — that it's difficult to completely overlook him.

I still want New York to select Clemson's Peter Woods with its top draft choice. I think Woods represents the best fit for what the G-Men actually need. But if Bain slips to No. 5, the idea of selecting him will be incredibly tempting.

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