The New York Giants feel like a franchise that’s getting really close to being a competitive team. Perhaps that’s the natural effect of adding a veteran quarterback like Russell Wilson to be the bridge to the team’s first-round QB, Jaxson Dart.
Whenever a team has such an extreme quarterback makeover like the Giants had this offseason, there’s always optimism.
But for either quarterback to realize their full potential in coach Brian Daboll’s offense, they’ll need a competent offensive line that can provide them with enough time to execute.
The Giants should get a better performance from the O-line in 2025. The healthy return of Andrew Thomas is a big reason why. But aside from Thomas, the starting five doesn’t feature a standout blue-chipper who projects as a long-term fixture on an offense that will eventually feature a first-rounder behind center.
That all changes in the latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft from Pro Football Sports Network.
With the fifth overall pick in the first round, Big Blue lands Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor.
Alabama OT Kadyn Proctor Last Season:
🐘 323 Pass Block Snaps
🐘 3 Sacks Allowed
🐘 3 QB Hits Allowed pic.twitter.com/B6drhezwHv— PFF College (@PFF_College) May 6, 2025
New York Giants will focus on O-line upgrades in 2026
“With the Giants securing their quarterback of the future in last year’s draft with the selection of Jaxon Dart, now it’s time to build around him,” PFSN wrote. “The Evan Neal experiment was a failure, but that shouldn’t keep the Giants from dipping their toes back in the Alabama well. Proctor possesses rare physical attributes, offering exceptional size, length, and athleticism. He projects as a plug-and-play tackle for the G-Men.”
Pairing Proctor with Thomas would transform the New York Giants’ offensive line from one that is the punchline of many jokes to one that demands instant respect. Proctor is such a promising prospect that there’s a chance he won’t last to the fifth pick. He has a chance to be downright dominant from his first rep in the pros.
There’s also a chance the Giants will be a much better team than these early mock drafts are predicting. If they’re selecting as high as No. 5 overall, then there will be sweeping changes in the front office and coaching staff. But with a defense as talented as New York’s, it’s difficult to imagine a year that’s that bad.
As always, the New York Giants’ success will come down to the success of the quarterback. Which ultimately ties back to the offensive line, making mock draft projections like this one a logical prediction if the season goes off the rails.
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