NFL Draft rumors: Trade buzz at picks 3 and 4 could shape Giants’ plan at No. 5

Dallas quietly lurking as an X-factor

One team being closely monitored is the Dallas Cowboys, who hold picks No. 12 and No. 20. While Dallas hasn’t been overly aggressive on trade calls yet, league insiders say they are “open-minded” about moving up particularly to address defensive needs.

If a player they covet begins to slide, Dallas has the draft capital to jump into the top 10. That could put them in direct trade conversations with teams like Arizona, Tennessee, or even the Giants at No. 5.

There’s also intrigue around a potential fallback plan at No. 12. If Dallas stays put and misses out on its top defensive targets, Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood has emerged as a possible “Plan B.” While considered a reach by some, Hood’s high floor and man-coverage ability fit the Cowboys’ defensive profile.

Why this all matters for New York

The Giants are in a uniquely delicate position:

• If Arizona and Tennessee stay put, New York likely misses out on Love and faces a value dilemma at No. 5.
• If one or both teams trade down, it increases the chances of unexpected players sliding — or creates trade-back opportunities for the Giants.
• If teams like Dallas become aggressive, it could spark a bidding war that benefits New York’s desire to accumulate picks.

Layer on top the uncertainty surrounding Dexter Lawrence and his trade request, and the Giants suddenly become one of the most pivotal teams in the entire draft.

The bottom line

This year’s draft doesn’t have a locked-in order  it has leverage points. Arizona and Tennessee hold the first two, and what they decide to do will likely dictate whether the Giants get their guy, pivot to a backup plan, or execute a trade that reshapes their roster.

For New York, the phones ringing in the picks ahead of them might matter more than the player they ultimately select.