Giants 7-round NFL mock draft: Dexter Lawrence trade leads to big change

The New York Giants traded star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals in a blockbuster deal less than a week ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. The Giants acquired the 10th overall selection in the draft in exchange for Lawrence's service , USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon confirmed. The deal is subject to Lawrence passing a physical examination, which is expected to take place April 19.

Lawrence spent the first seven seasons of his career with the Giants after being a first-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. The Clemson product developed into a high-quality nose tackle, making three consecutive Pro Bowls from 2022-24 and twice earning All-Pro second team nods. Lawrence's departure leaves a gaping hole in the middle of New York's defense, one it's sure to address at some point during the 2026 NFL Draft.

It also gives the franchise two top-10 selections, which will give Joe Schoen's squad unique buying power to reshape itself in the mold of new head coach John Harbaugh and add talent around young quarterback Jaxson Dart . Here's a look at how the Giants could upgrade their roster during the 2026 NFL Draft after trading Lawrence for an additional first-round selection. New York Giants mock draft Round 1, Pick 5: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State Harbaugh's defenses with the Baltimore Ravens seemed to always sport high-end, middle-of-the-field playmakers.

That should put Styles and Caleb Downs in play with the No. 5 overall selection, but the athletic linebacker will get the nod here. Styles has rare size at 6-5, 244 pounds and starred at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine .