{"id":770364,"date":"2026-02-23T04:11:22","date_gmt":"2026-02-23T04:11:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/770364\/"},"modified":"2026-02-23T04:11:22","modified_gmt":"2026-02-23T04:11:22","slug":"new-york-giants-select-dancing-bear-in-latest-nfl-media-mock-draft-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/770364\/","title":{"rendered":"New York Giants select ‘dancing bear’ in latest NFL Media mock draft"},"content":{"rendered":"

Feb. 22, 2026, 11:00 a.m. ET<\/p>\n

As the New York Giants<\/a> continue their first offseason under newly hired head coach John Harbaugh, many questions surround the team’s approach to free agency and the 2026 NFL draft, where Big Blue holds the No. 5 overall pick.<\/p>\n

In the latest mock draft from NFL Media<\/a>, the Giants select an offensive lineman, a need that could become even more pressing depending on what happens in free agency.<\/p>\n

Spencer Fano, OT, Utah<\/p>\n

Jaxson Dart\u00a0needs to protect himself from unnecessary carnage, but the Giants must do everything in their power to maintain a clean pocket. If solid pass blocker\u00a0Jermaine Eluemunor\u00a0departs in free agency, he\u2019ll leave a gaping hole at right tackle. Barring extreme belief in 2025 fifth-rounder\u00a0Marcus Mbow, New York would be wise to grab this dancing bear who didn\u2019t allow a sack in his final 23 games at Utah, per Pro Football Focus.<\/p>\n

With highly touted Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa already off the board at No. 3 in this mock, the Giants opt for the next best available option to protect quarterback Jaxson Dart\u2014Utah’s Spencer Fano.<\/p>\n

Most mocks that do not have the Giants addressing the offensive line project them selecting either safety Caleb Downs or wide receiver Carnell Tate, both from Ohio State. In this particular mock, New York passes on both Buckeyes in favor of Fano.<\/p>\n

Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.<\/a><\/p>\n

The Giants remain a wild card in terms of their strategy for free agency and the draft, as Harbaugh will have a significant influence on how the front office continues to build the roster.<\/p>\n

That said, there is a strong argument that\u2014regardless of what happens with right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor in free agency\u2014the Giants should prioritize bolstering their offensive line with the No. 5 overall pick. Protecting their most valuable asset (Dart) while also improving the running game remains a critical need for long-term success.<\/p>\n

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