Why on earth would the New York Giants do this?
The New York Giants have a few very clear needs heading into the offseason: defensive tackle, cornerback, wide receiver and offensive line.
You would then assume that the Giants would devote the fifth overall pick in the NFL Draft to one of those areas, but lately, we are hearing all sorts of different things, including from John Harbaugh himself.
Harbaugh recently all but confirmed that Ohio State safety Caleb Downs could very well be the pick for New York if he is on the board at No. 5, this even though safety is not a premium position and should be fairly far down the Giants' list of priorities.
But that isn't the worst of it.
In Pro Football Focus' recent three-round NFL mock draft, Gordon McGuiness has New York selecting Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles with its top draft choice.
"While I agree with the recent declaration from multiple draft analysts that Ohio State’s Arvell Reese is a better prospect as a linebacker than an edge defender, I think his teammate is the best linebacker in this draft class," McGuinness wrote. "Styles' grading profile is similar to that of San Francisco 49ers star linebacker Fred Warner from his BYU days, and he could easily be a decade-long NFL starter."
Sonny Styles. Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images.Well, first of all, Reese shouldn't even be mentioned as a candidate for the Giants, so the fact that he is even being name-dropped here is disturbing. But taking an off-ball linebacker at No. 5? In 2026?
What are we doing here?
I'm not denying that Styles is a terrific linebacker. I loved watching him during the Buckeyes' national championship run during the 2024-25 campaign. Actually, he wasn't quite as impressive this year as he was that season.
But in no way, shape or form should New York be nabbing an off-ball linebacker that high in the draft. The Giants could stand to add one a bit later on, but using the No. 5 pick on Styles would be a complete mismanagement of resources.
New York must focus on what it actually needs this offseason. That means addressing the interior of the defensive line, finding a cornerback (especially if Cor'Dale Flott departs via free agency) and cultivating Jaxson Dart.
Sure, bringing in a linebacker could be on Big Blue's to-do list, especially if the team ends up releasing Bobby Okereke. But positional value matters, so Styles should not even be an option for the Giants this April. Not in the first round.
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