Perfect Picks 2026: New York Giants
By Jack Brentnall
The Giants might be picking in the top five, but they appear to be heading into 2026 with a sense of optimism. There is lots of hope surrounding Jaxson Dart, and the hiring of John Harbaugh looks like one of the best moves of the offseason.
This Perfect Picks article explores what an ideal draft could look like if the board breaks the right way. Rather than predicting draft weekend outcomes, the focus is on fit, value, and long-term roster construction, identifying prospects who align with the team’s needs at each stage of the draft.
The selections below account for scheme, roster holes, and realistic draft ranges, moving from early-round building blocks to mid-round value and late-round upside.
Round 1 - Carnell Tate (WR, Ohio State)
The Giants need to see if they really have something in Jaxson Dart, and the best way to do that is to surround him with talent. Getting a player like Tate to pair with Malik Nabers would therefore be a no-brainer move.
Tate has blossomed into an elite three-level receiving threat this season and for my money is the most complete receiver in the class. He has impeccable hands (zero drops on 51 catchable targets) with outrageous body control at the catch point.
He also ticks the boxes when it comes to size (6-3 and 195) and he is an excellent route technician with the ability to create consistent separation. The prospect of having the best young receiver duo in the NFL is certainly an enticing one.
Round 2 - Emmanuel Pregnon (IOL, Oregon)
Jaxson Dart was pressured on 36.7% of his dropbacks in 2025. If the Giants are to get their offense back on track in 2026, they need to shore up their offensive line. With Greg Van Roten turning 36 and hitting free agency and Jon Runyan with just one year left on his deal, a player like Pregnon makes perfect sense.
Pregnon has developed into a quality starter at Oregon. He offers ideal measurables for an NFL offensive lineman and has the physicality to match. His refined hand technique allows him to consistently control blocks as a pass protector and run blocker and got the anchor strength to maintain the pocket.
With four years of starting experience and playing time at both left and right guard, he feels like a pick that would immediately have a positive impact on the Giants roster.
Mid Round Gem - Davison Igbinosun (CB, Ohio State)
Cornerback has been a real issue for the Giants in 2025. Paulson Adebo was their big free agency acquisition but hasn’t played at the level many were expecting. Cor’Dale Flott has had moments, but has struggled for consistency and is set to hit free agency this offseason. Finding a reliable option on the boundary is a priority for this offseason.
Igbinosun is an intriguing prospect who has the potential to significantly outperform this draft slot. He offers a prototypical NFL frame, standing at 6’2” with 33-inch arms. Those measurables translate to the field too, with Igbinosun excelling in physical press coverage where he can use his length to disrupt releases and blanket routes.
This physicality has occasionally got the better of him in college and his tendency to get grabby through the route has led to a number of penalties. That said, he is coming off an outstanding 2025 season where he allowed just 207 yards and a passer rating of 42.6.
Late Round Sleeper - Aiden Fisher (LB, Indiana)
Adding another linebacker into the mix seems like a smart move for the Giants, and they could do an awful lot worse than a player like Fisher.
While he might not be elite in any one area, Fisher makes up for it with a well-rounded skillset. He has good eyes against the run, and shows fluid hips when asked to turn and run in space. He also shows good feel for zone coverage and adds value as a core-four special teamer, something teams look for with day three picks.
FIsher would be a nice depth option for the Giants defense early in his career, with legitimate starting potential should the right opportunity arise.
Draft in full
5 (R1) – Carnell Tate (WR, Ohio State)
37 (R2) – Emmanuel Pregnon (IOL, Oregon)
105 (R4) – Davison Igbinosun (CB, Ohio State)
143 (R5) – Brenen Thompson (WR, Mississippi State)
185 (R6) – Aiden Fisher (LB, Indiana)
191 (R6) – Domani Jackson (CB, Alabama)
192 (R6) – Jalon Daniels (QB, Kansas)
