Giants rumor from ESPN reveals who New York could target to replace Dexter Lawrence

The New York Giants agreed to a blockbuster trade with the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday, dealing defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Bengals for the No. 10 overall pick.

"Giants star Dexter Lawrence is being traded to the #Bengals in a pre-Draft blockbuster that includes the No. 10 pick heading to the Giants, per me and Tom Pelissero," NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported on X.

Though Lawrence is coming off a down year in 2025 with just 0.5 sacks, the 28-year-old has played a pivotal role on the Giants' defense over the last few years, and New York will now be tasked with filling that void.

The Giants could search free agency or even the trade market to find Lawrence's replacement, but it sounds like there is a certain prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft from Ohio State who could be on New York's radar to add to the defensive tackle room.

Giants linked to Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald

ESPN's Jordan Raanan says multiple sources have told him that McDonald would be a perfect fit on New York's new look defense run by head coach John Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson.

"Something to note: Multiple sources told me earlier this week that DT Kayden McDonald is perfect for the Baltimore-style defense that the Giants will run," Raanan said on X after Lawrence was traded.

McDonald is arguably the top defensive tackle in the draft, and according to ESPN's Matt Miller, many around the league believe he will be the first interior defensive lineman off the board.

"Kayden McDonald, Ohio State. My final board didn't include any defensive tackles in the top 40 players, with Peter Woods (Clemson) and McDonald taking the top spots. However, word around the league is McDonald will be the first interior defender off the board," Miller said.

McDonald isn't a prolific pass-rusher, as the Georgia native tallied just three sacks in his college career. However, the 6-foot-2 defensive tackle is a stout run defender who posted 34 defensive stops and a 91.2 run-defense grade for Ohio State in 2025.

Though there's a solid chance he's the first defensive tackle taken, McDonald will likely be on the board when the Giants are picking at 35 in Round 2, and the 21-year-old would be a no-brainer selection there to replace Lawrence and beef up the interior for New York.

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