2026 NFL draft: New York Giants' history selecting No. 5 overall

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The New York Giants closed out the regular season with a record of 4-13, which is a one-game improvement from 2024. While still not the turnaround they expected or hoped, back-to-back wins to end the year could provide some offseason optimism.

With another lousy finish, the Giants will again select near the top of the NFL draft, this time positioned to select fifth overall come April.

Throughout their 100-plus-year history, the Giants have selected No. 5 overall four other times with varying and somewhat underwhelming results.

Here's a look back and a quick recap of what the Giants have done with the fifth overall pick throughout their history:

2022 NFL draft: LB Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon

Years with Giants: 2022 - present

Career stats: 53 games (53 starts). 152 tackles (86 solo, 31 TFL), 13 passes defensed, six forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, 55 QB hits, 23.5 sacks, 1 defensive touchdown.

Honors: PFWA All-Rookie Team

Notes: The Giants exercised Thibodeaux's fifth-year option, which will keep him under contract through the 2026 season.

1996 NFL draft: DE Cedric Jones, Oklahoma

Years with Giants: 1996 - 2000

Career stats: 73 games (35 starts). 151 tackles (11 solo, 14 TFL), 7 passes defensed, 7 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, 15.0 sacks.

Honors: None

Notes: After his time with the Giants, Jones signed with the then-St. Louis Rams, but was injured and missed his entire final season.

1977 NFL draft: DE Gary Jeter, USC

Years with Giants: 1977 - 1982

Career stats: 168 games (59 starts). 10 forced fumbles, 6 fumble recoveries, 79.0 sacks, 1 safety.

Honors: All-Rookie Team

Notes: Long after his retirement, Jeter was a regular presence at Giants tailgates until his passing in 2016.

1946 NFL draft: OL/LB George Connor, Notre Dame

Years with Giants: 1946 - 1946

Career stats: 91 career games (78 starts). 7 interceptions, 10 fumble recoveries, 1 defensive touchdown.

Honors: Four-time First-Team All-Pro, two-time Second-Team All-Pro, four-time Pro Bowler, NFL 1940's All-Decade Team, 100 Greatest Bears of All-Time, Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Notes: After being selected by the Giants in 1946, Connor transferred back to Notre Dame and wouldn't return to professional football until 1948, when he signed with the Chicago Bears.

This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: 2026 NFL draft: New York Giants' history selecting No. 5 overall

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