Breaking down the New York Giants draft picks, team needs and 2026 first-round mock draft projections, including Caleb Downs.
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It has been over a decade of frustration for the New York Giants and their fanbase. Since winning the Super Bowl in 2011, the franchise has posted just three winning seasons and has totaled only seven wins over the last two years combined.
New York is hoping the hiring of John Harbaugh as head coach will help turn things around. While general manager Joe Schoen remains in place, Harbaugh is expected to have significant input on personnel decisions moving forward.
The Giants hold seven total draft picks, highlighted by the fifth overall selection. With promising young talent already in place at several positions, including quarterback Jaxson Dart, New York has the flexibility to address multiple key needs and continue building out its core.
Let’s take a look at the full list of 2026 New York Giants NFL Draft picks, team needs and first-round mock drafts.
New York Giants Draft Picks | 2026 NFL Draft
| Round | Pick | From |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 | |
| 2 | 37 | |
| 4 | 105 | |
| 5 | 145 | |
| 6 | 186 | |
| 6 | 192 | via MIA |
| 6 | 193 | via DAL |
New York Giants NFL Draft Needs
Defensive Line
Dexter Lawrence is a stud, but he could sorely use some help in the form of reinforcements along the interior of the defensive front. The Giants run defense was effectively a sieve last year, allowing a whopping 5.5 yards per carry to running backs. That mark was far and away the worst in the league. The depth chart behind him, which includes Roy Robertson-Harris and free agent signee Sam Roberts could use a boost.
Cornerback
On a broader perspective, the New York Giants draft needs include the entire defensive secondary. We’ll focus on the cornerback room here, which is currently headlined by Paulson Adebo and free agent newcomer Greg Newsome. Andru Phillips figures to serve as the team’s primary slot corner again this year. So, while the Giants arguably have a set starting three at the position, it would make sense for them to improve the depth in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Interior Offensive Line
In Andrew Thomas and the newly extended Jermaine Eluemunor, the Giants look to be set up well at the offensive tackle spots for the next few seasons. However, the interior of the line carries several question marks into the draft. Greg Van Roten remains an unsigned free agent and both Jon Runyan and John Michael Schmitz will have their contracts up after the upcoming season. Along with the contract situations looming, New York could sorely stand to upgrade its run blocking.
Other Giants Draft Needs
- Safety
- Wide Receiver
- Linebacker
With these needs in mind, let’s take a look at how analysts are projecting the Giants to approach the first round.
Giants Mock Drafts | First-Round Picks
Here are four New York Giants mock drafts for the first round from ESPN, CBS, NFL Network and FlurrySports. Who do draft pundits think the Giants will select with the fifth overall pick?
No. 5 | Giants NFL Draft Pick
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame | ESPN & NFL Network
This wouldn’t be the first time that the Giants have drafted a generational running back high if this mocked selection does indeed come to fruition. With Cam Skattebo, Tyrone Tracy and Devin Singletary all still under contract, there’s an argument to be had about whether this would be in the team’s best interest. Nonetheless, Jeremiyah Love looks every bit the part of an NFL star.
Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio State | CBS
This is another interesting New York Giants NFL Draft mock prediction, given that Arvell Reese is widely expected to be the second player chosen. However, if the teams in front of them fumble the bag, the Giants would almost certainly pounce on a player who can be plugged into any defensive scheme and thrive.
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State | FlurrySports
If the Giants ultimately do make their pick at No. 5 overall as opposed to trading back, Caleb Downs could hear his name called earlier than expected. After all, this would aid the team’s lackluster secondary in a big way. Downs is a versatile safety who is capable of lining up all over the field, from the line of scrimmage to slot coverage and beyond.
