The 2026 NFL Draft may be 10 months away, but for teams like the New York Giants, it's pretty easy to forecast early-round priorities.
Big Blue took a big swing at solving their quarterback problem by trading back into the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft and selecting Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart, who, by all accounts, is thriving this offseason.
Assuming Dart continues on his upward trajectory, it's unlikely the Giants will have a wandering quarterback eye. Instead, general manager Joe Schoen's focus will likely be on protecting Dart -- literally.
And most 2026 NFL mock drafts agree.
Take the latest mock draft from Stadium Rant, which has the G-Men selecting Alabama blue-chip offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor.
"If the New York Giants are picking this high, assume head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen are in the unemployment line," Ian Ritter wrote. "The Giants’ new brain trust could prioritize putting their stamp on the organization with a first-round quarterback. Still, the sensible move may be bolstering the offensive line and waiting for a crack at Manning in 2027. Kadyn Proctor may have the most potential variance of any other player in the draft. The 6’7” 360-pound tackle has all the physical tools, but was disappointing at times last season. If Proctor can show improved technique this season, he will be selected first overall; if not, he could fall out of the first round entirely."
Kadyn Proctor is an early favorite to be New York Giants' first-round pick in 2026
While much will change between now and the 2026 Draft, one thing is likely to stay the same: the Giants' need for a right tackle to pair with Andrew Thomas, who's quickly become one of the better starters at left tackle in the NFL.
READ: Giants' Jaxson Dart earning Brian Daboll's praise as QB's stock rises
Enter Proctor, whose mammoth frame and above-average athletic ability have his projection as high as any offensive lineman who's entered the NFL in quite some time.
The only way the Giants will land a prospect of this caliber is if they have a horrendous season, which won't sit well with the fans.
Barring an absolute organizational meltdown, I don't see how the Giants can be this bad. If they end the season with the third pick, then New York likely ended the season with just three wins, which means no one is safe -- not even Dart.
But this team's defense is too talented to lose 14 games. Instead, the New York Giants should be viewed as a sleeper candidate to be very much in the playoff race late in the 2025 season.
No matter how this year goes, right tackle will be a top priority, even if Proctor isn't a realistic target.
