2026 NFL Draft Notes: Rumors and rumblings around the league, including Jets and Giants

Bailey would help, too (he had 14.5 sacks last season) but one head coach compared him to Will McDonald: An effective pass rusher with concerns against the run. There is a worry within league circles that he might not be a three-down guy for that reason.

“You don’t have those concerns with Reese,” the coach said. “He’s just a better overall player.”

Where, oh where will the running back go?

Jeremiyah Love is widely viewed as the top offensive player in the class. The Giants and Commanders are among the teams that value him highly, but there are questions about whether he’ll still be available at Nos. 5 and 7.

A team to watch for Love, per multiple sources, is Arizona. They’ve quietly been circling the back. There are a few people SNY touched base with who believe he will be the pick at No. 3. The Jets deciding to go with Bailey, dropping Reese to Arizona, might change that, but one team selecting in the top five is operating under the belief it will be Love to Arizona.

Arizona, per multiple sources, is interested in trading back – as are most teams in the top 10. If a team wants to come up for Love, jumping the Giants and Commanders, the Cardinals are open for business.

There’s also buzz connecting Love to the Titans. Tennessee could use a weapon for second-year quarterback Cam Ward, but the roster has multiple needs — wide receiver, offensive line and defense — making a running back at that spot seem less likely.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jeremiyah Love (4) runs the ball against the Syracuse Orange during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium / Michael Caterina - Imagn Images

Who will be there for the Giants at No. 5?

The lack of quarterback depth beyond Mendoza complicates projections. Typically, the first 10 picks are clearer weeks in advance. This year, sources said there is significant uncertainty — including for the Giants.

Players believed to be near the top of New York’s board include linebacker Sonny Styles, Love, and safety Caleb Downs. Receiver Jordyn Tyson is also in consideration, though injury concerns could make him a risk at No. 5.

Sources believe Love would be the pick if available, but that appears unlikely. One head coach was adamant the Giants' pick is Downs. Another team selecting top 10 told SNY its scouts were under the impression they wanted Styles. Again: Uncertainty.

A trade remains something to monitor. The Giants, like Arizona and Tennessee, would be open to moving back, though little traction has developed.

If the Jets select Reese, Love goes to Arizona and Styles to Tennessee, Bailey would be available at No. 5. Every source SNY spoke with agreed he is the top pass rusher in the class — a scenario that could prompt a team to trade up.

The Giants would listen.

What about the No. 10 pick?

The Giants acquired the No. 10 pick from the Bengals in the Dexter Lawrence trade, a deal widely praised across the league.

“Never thought they would get that,” one general manager said. “But desperate teams do dumb things.”

New York views the selection as another opportunity to build around its young core.

Wide receiver is under consideration, but offensive line is also a focus. Names to watch include Spencer Fano, Caleb Lomu, Vega Ioane, and Francis Mauigoa.

The pass catchers

The receiver class has drawn mixed reviews. League evaluators are less bullish on Ohio State’s Carnell Tate than many in media circles. Three sources described him as the “safest” receiver, but his ceiling a “high-end No. 2.”

In most classes, Tate would likely be a mid-to-late first-round pick, not top 10, a high-ranking evaluator said. “This year, though, you run into a situation where if not him, then who?”

Arizona State’s Tyson is viewed as the most talented receiver in the class, with true No. 1 potential. Durability is his concern. He has dealt with a knee injury (2022), a collarbone injury (2024), and a hamstring issue (2025).

"Injuries are real,” one assistant general manager said. “You can’t overlook that. But he’s the best receiver in the draft.”

It’s still not cut and dry.

"The problem with these two is it’s easy to see how it goes wrong,” a coach said. “Tate if he doesn’t develop, Tyson if he can’t stay healthy. You have egg on your face.”

After those two, one general manager said there is a “gap” at the position — which could lead to teams trying to trade into the top 10. One source said the Jets have explored that possibility.

Rising and falling

Cornerback Jermod McCoy is one of them. Four different teams told SNY they flagged his knee, which he tore in January. One team told SNY they have taken him off their board entirely. Miami offensive tackle Mauigoa might slip some, too. Keep an eye on that. Not out of the first round, like McCoy, but something worth monitoring.

Tyson, even with the injuries, is flying up draft boards. His talent, and the lack of any true receivers with his physical ability, is infatuating to teams. Another is cornerback Colton Hood. There’s top-20, top-15 buzz around him now. With McCoy falling, he’s considered by most to be the No. 2 cornerback in the draft behind LSU’s Mansoor Delane.

The next mock draft

SNY will have a mock draft Tuesday morning, piecing together one final projection after speaking with sources across the league.