A monumental offseason in New York just got a bit more interesting. Superstar defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence was traded over the weekend to the Bengals. In return, the Giants got back the tenth overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft. However, it’s not the only premium asset at Big Blue’s disposal. The team also possesses the fifth overall pick, a major piece for this up-and-coming club.

Which player will the Giants target with the first of their two first rounders? Will a prospect they’re angling for get selected inside the top four? Let’s break it all down before New York heads to the podium on Thursday.

New York Giants Biggest Needs

Like most rebuilding squads, there’s plenty of holes on this Giants roster. With that being said, it also means there are a number of different ways to bolster this roster. On offense, quarterback Jaxson Dart has already established himself as the face of the franchise. Supporting the Ole Miss alum with weapons and protection should be a priority this weekend. Still, there’s no one way to go about doing that. Adding blockers up front or pass catchers on the outside could improve an already decent New York offense.

Head coach John Harbaugh established a physical, dominant running game during his time with the Ravens. Keeping that in mind, it wouldn’t be a shock to see Big Blue snag Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love. Despite the fear of taking a running back so early, the Heisman finalist might be the most talented player on the board. However, there’s a decent chance the Cardinals and Titans snag him with picks three and four, respectively. Should that occur, a wide receiver might make sense. Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson has been a name heavily linked to the franchise. However, it’s difficult to see him going to New York with the first of these two picks. Instead, tenth overall feels like a more reasonable place for the red zone threat.

Assuming Love isn’t available and Tyson is the hope at ten, offensive line makes the most sense. Granted, the Giants are fairly set at tackle with All-Pro Andrew Thomas and recently re-signed Jermaine Eluemanor. Any lineman the team selects here will have to play guard, at least for the foreseeable future. Miami’s Francis Mauigoa, Penn State’s Vega Ioane and Alabama’s Kadyn Proctor fill a clear need. However, much like running back, this isn’t a position to target at fifth overall. More guards will be available later in the draft, both at #10 and the early second round.

With all that being said, defense was the biggest issue for the Giants last season. That was prior to the loss of Lawrence, a three-time Pro Bowler. Without an anchor in the middle, talent is desperately needed on that side of the ball. New York allowed an NFL-worst 5.3 yards per rush last season.

What better place to grab a terrific defender than Ohio State? The Buckeyes have not one, not two, but three premium talents worth consideration. Sonny Styles has been a fast riser in most mocks, thanks in part to a terrific combine performance. A hard-hitter over the middle has been a staple of most Harbaugh defenses. Although fifth overall is rare for most linebackers, it can be justified when dealing with elite level talent. At safety, Caleb Downs can anchor any team’s secondary. High upside is always nice, but the former National Champion feels like one of the safest bets available.

It’s a similar story for Arvell Reese, a pass rusher with serious game-wrecking potential. There’s a good chance he goes second to the Jets or third to Arizona, but it’s no guarantee. The Giants do have pass rushers, but best player available could win out here. After all, edge Kayvon Thibodeaux has popped up in numerous offseason trade rumors. Shipping off the fourth-year pro, and adding more draft compensation, makes sense. If that were to occur, Texas Tech’s David Bailey might also have a shot at five. Should the Jets go with Reese, the productive college star would be difficult to pass up.

New York Giants fifth pick prediction

In many ways, this is the most intriguing selection of the first round. Not only will it impact the rest of the top ten, but also who the Giants take later. On paper, it feels like there will be several other quality offensive players available at #10. I’d expect New York to push for a high-level defender, assuming Love has already been selected. Bailey and Reese are decent bets to go within the two-to-four range, and they don’t make sense in terms of fit. Downs is certainly an option, but he’s also someone that might fall further in the draft. The same can’t be said of Styles, an electrifying athlete that has wowed talent evaluators. A blue chip, three-down linebacker is the quickest way to support a much-maligned defense.

Prediction: Giants draft LB Sonny Styles with fifth overall pick (+190)