Mel Kiper Updates NFL Mock Draft After Dexter Lawrence-Bengals Trade, Who Do Giants Pick Now?

With a second top-10 pick at their disposal, the New York Giants didn't look to address the newly created void along their defensive front in the updated mock draft from ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr.

Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reported the Giants agreed to trade three-time Pro Bowler Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals for the No. 10 overall selection in the 2026 draft.

Kiper modified his mock Saturday night to reflect the deal, and he projects New York to take Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa after having selected Ohio State safety Caleb Downs:

"And after going defense at No. 5, the Giants would be happy to see the class' top offensive tackle still on the board here. They brought back Jermaine Eluemunor, but adding Mauigoa would take this unit to the next level. Plus, they could even kick Mauigoa inside, where I think he has a Pro Bowl ceiling. Mauigoa has started 42 games in college, he's a sound pass protector, and he'd open some rushing lanes for Cam Skattebo and Tyrone Tracy Jr."

Lawrence is coming off a down year in 2025. He had a career-low 0.5 sacks, and his four tackles for loss were his fewest since his rookie season in 2019.

Still, it will be tough for the Giants to find an interior lineman who can immediately replicate Lawrence's impact. And there isn't a prospect at the position who's generally considered a top-10 talent.

Auburn's Keldrick Faulk and Clemson's Peter Woods are the highest-rated defensive linemen (8.0) and sit 19th and 21st, respectively, on the Bleacher Report big board.

Mauigoa is No. 15, so taking him with the 10th pick wouldn't be as much of a reach. Fortifying the offensive line also makes sense when quarterback Jaxson Dart was sacked 35 times in 14 appearances as a rookie.

In terms of a value play, the Giants are better off waiting until Day 2 and seeing whether Faulk or Woods is still available. Ohio State's Kayden McDonald and Texas Tech's Lee Hunter could still be on the board as well to serve as the successor to Lawrence.