With the 2026 NFL Draft set to begin Thursday night, let’s take a look at the prospects the Giants could pick in Round 1.
We’ll also examine how these prospects might push aside veterans already on the roster.
We’re breaking this down by the Giants’ positions of need, as they get ready to pick fifth and 10th (or maybe later, if they trade back).
Prospects Giants could pick: Carnell Tate (Ohio State), Makai Lemon (USC), Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State), Omar Cooper (Indiana)
Who might go where: Tate is an option at No. 5. He likely won’t be there at No. 10. The Giants seemingly really like Tyson and could take him 10th. Would they go for him at No. 5, if Tate is gone (and maybe even if he isn’t)? Lemon is an intriguing prospect, but he seems unlikely to land with the Giants. Cooper is an option only if the Giants trade back from 10th.
Impact on veterans: Darius Slayton is not the long-term answer opposite Malik Nabers (who, remember, is still recovering from a torn ACL). Slayton’s limitations (mainly drops) have been clear for a while. If the Giants draft one of these four receivers in Round 1, that new guy would immediately push Slayton out of his starting job.
Prospects Giants could pick: S Caleb Downs (Ohio State), CB Mansoor Delane (LSU)
Who might go where: It feels like Delane would be a reach at No. 5, even though he is widely considered this draft’s top cornerback. Downs is absolutely an option for the Giants at No. 5. He could very well be their pick at that spot. It would be a surprise if the Giants took a defensive back in Round 1 other than these two players, even if they trade back.
Impact on veterans: Tyler Nubin (2024 second-round pick) and Jevon Holland (big-money free agent addition in 2025) both struggled last season. Downs seemingly could be an upgrade from either player. He would take over for Nubin at the spot next to Holland. And remember, coach John Harbaugh didn’t acquire Nubin or Holland.
As for cornerback, that spot remains a mess. Greg Newsome and Paulson Adebo aren’t the long-term answers, with Cor’Dale Flott having left for a lucrative contract with the Titans. Harbaugh has no allegiance to Adebo. The coach/football czar just signed Newsome. Could Harbaugh wind up benching Adebo to start Delane opposite Newsome? Don’t rule it out.
Prospects Giants could pick: Sonny Styles (Ohio State), Arvell Reese (Ohio State)
Who might go where: It’s highly unlikely either player falls to No. 10. Could both be gone by No. 5? Maybe. The Giants apparently aren’t high on Styles. And Reese views himself as an edge rusher. The Giants are set at that position for now. Of course, Harbaugh could tell Reese he’s going to play a hybrid linebacker role next to Tremaine Edmunds.
Impact on veterans: Edmunds is the Giants’ new (highly paid) middle linebacker. Micah McFadden is back on a one-year contract, but it’s not like he’s a proven starter. He would lose his job to Styles or Reese.
Prospects Giants could pick: Jeremiyah Love (Notre Dame)
Who might go where: He could go to Arizona at No. 3. But what if he’s there for the Giants at No. 5? That would present a fascinating choice for Harbaugh. There is little chance Love falls to No. 10.
Impact on veterans: If Harbaugh wants to make meaningful upgrades to his running back room, drafting Love is really the only way to do it. He is the clear-cut No. 1 back this year. Love’s arrival probably would push Tyrone Tracy (and not Cam Skattebo) down the depth chart. Skattebo had an intriguing (albeit injury-shortened) rookie year, but he’s not yet a star.
Prospects Giants could pick: Francis Mauigoa (Miami), Vega Ioane (Penn State)
Who might go where: It would be a surprise if either went fifth. Both could still be available at No. 10. That’s entirely possible.
Impact on veterans: Left guard Jon Runyan is lucky he didn’t get cut this offseason. The Giants have major issues at right guard. Does Harbaugh see Mauigoa as a guard, rather than a tackle? He needs to upgrade his interior offensive line if he wants to lean into a physical style.
Coal mines. Volleyball. Now NFL’s most intriguing prospect