While NFL fans count down the days until 2025 training camps kick off, early mock drafts for the 2026 NFL Draft are already popping up. And for New York Giants fans, they come with a mix of hope and hard truths.
Yes, expectations are a bit higher heading into this season. After a rough 2024 campaign that ended with just three wins, the Giants have made some improvements. They’re a stronger team now, no doubt, but being better doesn’t automatically mean they’ll be great. There’s a big difference between “competitive” and “actually winning games.”
Because of that, many early mock drafts still have the Giants picking in the top 10 next year. One mock draft from Pro Football Sports Network even projects them picking 5th overall, which is pretty high. And the name they’ve linked to New York? Kadyn Proctor, a standout offensive tackle from Alabama.
Why Proctor? The mock draft suggests the Giants believe they’ve found their future quarterback in Jaxson Dart, the former Ole Miss signal caller. If Dart is going to be the long-term guy, the team will need to protect him, and that’s exactly where Proctor comes in. He’s already seen as one of the top O-line prospects for 2026, and he fits a key need for the Giants at right tackle.
But here’s the big question:
Is Jaxson Dart the future of this team?
Veteran Russell Wilson is set to start the 2025 season, but most expect Dart to get his shot sooner rather than later. The Giants need to find out if he’s the real deal, because there’s no point drafting a top-tier lineman to protect a QB who might not stick around.
So while the Giants are trying to take steps forward, a lot still hinges on whether Dart proves he can lead the team, and whether the pieces around him can finally help Big Blue climb back into playoff talks.