The Giants have been tied to dynamic receivers at the fifth slot, but with a loaded defensive line and a defense that ranked 28th in 2025, some evaluators argue New York should fortify its pass defense under new defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson.
Jeremiah contends that Delane would be a immediate, impactful addition at a premier position, suggesting the Giants could address their cornerback need now and “add a receiver later in the draft — it’s a deep class at the position.”
Delane is a first-round-caliber talent who spent his senior year at LSU after beginning his college career at Virginia Tech. He earned first-team All-SEC honors and unanimous All-American status in 2025, with NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein likening him to lockdown corners in the league.
New York’s pass defense ranked 16th in 2025, but the unit suffered from big-play vulnerability due to inconsistency at corner. The group featured Cor’Dale Flott and Dru Phillips in the 40–60 range by PFF, and 2023 first-round pick Deonte Banks ranked 112th out of 114 qualifying corners in PFF’s scoring.
Pairing Delane with Flott could strengthen a New York defense that ranked No. 1 against the pass in 2024, offering better matchup coverage against elite NFC East targets like CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Terry McLaurin.
If the Giants pass on Nabers, Tyson, or Tate at No. 5, they could pursue a later-round receiver such as 5‑11 burner KC Concepcion from Texas A&M with the 37th pick, or address the position on Day 2. The argument remains that Delane would address a major need at corner, while a receiver could follow in a deeper class.
This scenario, highlighted by Heavy Sports and echoed by Jeremiah’s NFL.com projection, presents a potential shift in New York’s draft strategy—prioritizing a top-tier cornerback to boost Wilson’s defense, with a receiver added later to support Daniel Jones and the offense.
