There is an alternate reality where the Giants lose to the Cowboys in Week 18 and hold this pick instead of Las Vegas. Given Moore’s decision to return to school, it’s staggering to consider what that No. 1 selection might have fetched in a trade.

No. 2: Jets - EDGE Rueben Bain Jr., Miami

Don’t rule out a trade-down. The Jets need help at nearly every position, and additional picks — both this year and next — would be invaluable as they continue their search for a franchise quarterback. The only question is who is willing to come up? The players in this class are considered more good than great – typical Jets luck.

Still, if they stay put, Bain makes sense. Former first-round picks Jermaine Johnson and Will McDonald underwhelmed in 2025. Johnson finished with three sacks in 14 games, McDonald had eight in 15 (half of them against the Browns), and the Jets totaled just 26 sacks as a team — second-fewest in the NFL.

Bain gives them an every-down edge presence and allows Johnson and McDonald to rotate.

No. 3: Arizona Cardinals - LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State

Arizona has options, but defense looms largest. The Cardinals ranked sixth-worst in the NFL in yards allowed (357.7 per game) and fourth-worst in points allowed (28.7).

Reese is a rangy, physical linebacker who immediately upgrades the middle of the defense and gives Arizona a foundational piece on that side of the ball.

No. 4: Tennessee Titans - WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State

Tate is the most complete wide receiver in the class. He caught 51 passes for 875 yards and nine touchdowns this past season and consistently won in high-leverage situations.

The Titans believe they have their quarterback in Cam Ward. Now they need to surround him with difference-makers. Tate does exactly that.

No. 5: Giants - S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

If Tate somehow slips past Tennessee, the Giants should sprint the card to the podium. With Jaxson Dart entrenched as the franchise quarterback, the priority shifts to weapons. Wan’Dale Robinson is a pending free agent, and Malik Nabers’ recovery from an ACL tear remains uncertain after he was seen using a brace and crutch late in the season.

With Tate gone (in this scenario), the Giants pivot to the best player available — a philosophy long embraced by John Harbaugh in Baltimore. Downs fits it perfectly.

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