We are less than two weeks away from the 2026 NFL draft, which is a pivotal one for the development of the Giants.
It will be the first draft for John Harbaugh as Giants head coach, where he looks to help rebuild the Giants and bring them back to glory.
Sitting with the number 5 overall pick, the Giants have multiple options of players to draft that will improve their team, though they still need to supplement in trade or free agency.
Sonny Styles, LB Ohio State
Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles (LB25) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Styles is the most physically imposing defensive prospect in the class, standing 6'5" and weighing 244 pounds with the movement skills of a former safety. He provides rare three-level versatility, having successfully transitioned to linebacker while maintaining the ability to drop into coverage against tight ends or rush the passer from the edge.
His massive 80-inch wingspan and improved tackling technique make him a nightmare for ball carriers in the open field, though he is still refining his eye discipline against complex misdirection. For a Giants defense needing a central playmaker, he offers a unique blend of size and range that could anchor their front seven for a decade.
Jerahamiah Love, RB Notre Dame
Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love (RB11) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
If I were in that war room and Love were still on the board, he would be my pick. His offensive profile is a dynamic one, and he is another player who would benefit from being in the Giants offense, helping out players on offense like Cam Skattabo and Malik Nabers, both of whom are coming back from major injuries, as well as QB Jaxson Dart.
Unlike the 2018 roster, where the Giants selected Saquon Barkley, the 2026 Giants already have their QB, Dart, and bookend tackles. Adding the draft's most explosive weapon could turn a mediocre offense into a top-10 unit overnight.
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs catches a ball during Pro Day for NFL scouts at the Woody Hayes Athletics Center on March 25, 2026. © Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Widely regarded as the top safety prospect, Downs combines elite football intelligence with high-end athletic traits to function as a true defensive eraser. He is a film junkie who rarely takes false steps, allowing him to trigger downhill instantly to blow up run plays or close passing windows from a single-high alignment.
His versatility is his greatest asset, as he can comfortably man the deep half, rotate into the slot to mirror receivers, or play as a hybrid linebacker in the box. Adding a player of his caliber would give the Giants a vocal leader in the secondary capable of neutralizing the explosive passing attacks of the NFC East.
Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; LSU defensive back Mansoor Delane (DB06) speakers to members of the media at the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
Delane is a refined, island-style cornerback who excels in press-man coverage by using physical jams and elite hip fluidity to stay attached to a receiver's back pocket. After transferring to LSU, he proved he could handle SEC competition, showing the poise to locate the football downfield and the ball skills to turn pass breakups into interceptions.
While he occasionally bites on double moves due to his aggressive nature, his ability to mirror top-tier vertical threats and contribute as a willing tackler in run support makes him a prototypical CB1. He represents the lockdown perimeter presence the Giants have been missing to complement their high-end pass rush.