Andrew Buller-Russ
Less than a week before the start of the 2026 NFL Draft, the New York Giants made the surprising decision to trade one of their best players, sending Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals in exchange for the 10th overall pick. While the Giants got a strong return for their three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle, his departure left a massive hole in the middle of John Harbaugh’s defense.
What was the Giants’ plan to replace the DT?
According to Essentially Sports’ NFL insider Tony Pauline, the Giants “wanted” Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald “at the top of Round 2” with the 37th overall pick. Yet, the Houston Texans traded up to select McDonald with the 36th pick, just one slot ahead of the Giants.
“The team wanted Kayden McDonald at the top of Round 2, but it chose cornerback Colton Hood after the Houston Texans traded ahead of them to steal the Ohio State defensive tackle.”
Tony Pauline on New York Giants
As noted, once McDonald was gone, the Giants pivoted to Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood, who some viewed as a potential first-round pick, like McDonald. Nevertheless, the Giants didn’t circle back to the defensive line until selecting Auburn’s Bobby Jamison-Travis with the 186th overall pick.
Thus, the Giants may still be looking to add a potential starting defensive tackle before the 2026 season kicks off. They’ve already brought in D.J. Reader for a visit, and it’s possible he’ll be part of the solution going forward, but McDonald may have been a better long-term fit.
Related: A Bold Prediction For Every Player In New York Giants’ 2026 Draft Class
