Blockbuster: What Dexter Lawrence trade could mean for Giants' 2026 draft plans

The Dexter Lawrence saga is over. On Saturday night, the New York Giants agreed to send the star defender to the Cincinnati Bengals for the No. 10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. 

It's still early, but the initial reaction seems to indicate this deal is a win for all involved. Lawrence gets the trade out of New York he wanted, the Bengals get the difference-maker on the inside they've been searching for, and the Giants add another top 10 pick in 2026. 

It was reported earlier this week that the Giants wanted a ton for Lawrence, and one top 10 pick was enough to get it done. So, what could this mean for the Giants' draft plans? 

Lawrence trade could lead to Arizona State WR being drafted at No. 10 

The Giants now own the No. 5 and No. 10 pick in the first round. There's no consensus on who the Giants will take at No. 5, but most mocks have the team going defense. 

Defensive back Caleb Downs and linebacker Sonny Styles have been popular picks in mock drafts for the Giants. Assuming the Giants take one of those players, it seems like a certain offensive playmaker is trending to be the No. 10 pick. 

NFL insider Mike Garafolo pointed out on Saturday that Giants general manager Joe Schoen appears to really like Arizona State Jordyn Tyson. 

"#Giants GM Joe Schoen flew to Arizona to attend Jordan Tyson’s workout yesterday. Schoen also had dinner with Tyson the night before, sources told me and (Ian Rapoport)," Garafolo explained. "With NYG at 10 after the Dexter Lawrence, Tyson’s odds of being a top 10 pick have now increased significantly."

It's certainly interesting that Schoen flew all the way to Arizona to watch Tyson's workout, and went to dinner with the receiver. The Giants definitely could use another receiver, too, so the connection makes sense. 

In 2025, Tyson played in nine games for the Sun Devils and caught 61 passes for 711 yards and eight touchdowns. The receiver was even better in 2024, when he caught 75 passes for 1,101 yards and 10 touchdowns. 

The Giants lost Wan'Dale Robinson in free agency to the Tennessee Titans and replaced the receiver with Calvin Austin II and Darnell Mooney. Neither Austin nor Mooney would prevent the team from taking receiver early in 2026, and Tyson could be the best option in this class. 

Before the Lawrence trade, it seemed very unlikely the Giants would take a receiver at No. 5. However, now the team has the flexibility to take a defender at No. 5 and a playmaker like Tyson at No. 10. 

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