Giants draft pick projections: Ranking 5 best combinations for New York's two Round 1 selections originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
With their most recent blockbuster trade, the New York Giants made something clear: they're prepared to invest in the future.
All-Pro defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence is now on the Cincinnati Bengals following his contract dispute with the Giants, but in the pre-draft trade, New York landed a prized asset: the No. 10 pick. Thanks to that deal, as the Giants embark on their John Harbaugh era, they're equipped with two first-rounders that could help make the team competitive for years to come.
The blanket of having two top-10 picks — especially in a draft with elite players at traditionally undervalued positions — now allows the Giants to minimize risk with any big swings. New York does not need a quarterback, but there are a ton of other ways the team could utilize its No. 5 and No. 10 picks.
Here's a look at five of the best scenarios for the Giants with their two first-rounders in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The beauty of having two top-10 picks for a roster that could realistically make key additions on both sides of the ball is that the Giants have the freedom to pursue a lot of different prospects.
At both picks, things will largely depend on how the draft board shapes up — Arvell Reese and David Bailey aren't expected to be available by No. 5, but if that changes, perhaps the Giants are willing to keep stacking young pass rushers. But the expectation is that the No. 5 pick could come down to one of a few players, with Ohio State's Sonny Styles being one of them.
In the past, many Harbaugh teams have been led by a strong middle linebacker, and Styles' versatility, instincts and size make him a perfect candidate to help shore up a Giants defense that allowed 145.3 rushing yards per game last year, the second-most in the NFL.
A linebacker hasn't gone in the top-5 since 2019 with Devin White. But considering the Giants now have some added insurance at No. 10 and will likely be prioritizing defensive talent over offensive talent, plus the fact that Styles is considered a rare linebacker prospect, he may just be their best possible target at No. 5.
If New York landed Styles, then proceeded to land a strong weapon for Jaxson Dart at No. 10, it's hard not to anticipate some serious excitement for Giants fans entering the 2026 season.
By the No. 10 pick, it's unlikely Carnell Tate or Jeremiyah Love will be available. But Jordyn Tyson doesn't have to be some kind of consolation prize. Next to Malik Nabers, he could form one of the NFL's elite young receiving duos, with the size (6-2, 203 pounds) and versatility to complement the Giants' established WR1 perfectly.
Exiting the first round with an elite young linebacker to fit Harbaugh's mold plus a dynamic weapon for Dart would be a home run for the Giants.
MORE: What to know about Bengals' blockbuster deal for Dexter Lawrence
The Giants don't need a running back. Cam Skattebo was solid over eight games last season before his injury, and a room led by him and Tyrone Tracy Jr. would be fine heading into 2026.
But if the opportunity is there to land Love, viewed as one of the best running back prospects in years, New York should take it without second-guessing. The former Notre Dame star could form an elite 1-2 punch with Skattebo, providing a potential top-tier ground attack for Dart to lean on in the offense moving forward.
Love would be an immediate star in New York, virtually a much-too-late Saquon Barkley replacement who could do it all for Harbaugh, including blocking and pass-catching. Paired with Dart's mobility and willingness to run, Harbaugh could fully lean into making the Giants one of the NFL's top rushing offenses.
Having Love, the Giants could then turn their attention to defense at No. 10. At that spot, New York likely wouldn't be adding to the front of its defense, but Caleb Downs could instantly become one of the most versatile safeties in the league in the Big Apple, filling a Kyle Hamilton-type of role for Harbaugh.
Safeties don't typically go in the top-10, but the Giants don't have to feel bad about breaking that trend; Downs has continually proven he can bring defensive leadership, versatility and coverage skills to the NFL. Last season's leading tackler in the Giants' safety room, Dane Belton, departed this offseason, meaning New York also needs the position.
There's an argument to be made that Love and Downs are two of the safest prospects in this draft — their only respective concerns have been surrounding positional draft value. But running backs and safeties have also thrived under Harbaugh in the past. Landing this young duo would bring an instant boost to the 2026 Giants on both sides of the ball.
MORE: The 7 safest picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, including Jeremiyah Love, Caleb Downs