The New York Giants would have the No. 1 overall pick if the 2026 NFL Draft if the season were to end today. The Giants moved into the No. 1 slot thanks to the Tennessee Titans’ 31-29 victory over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.
The Titans and Giants are now both 2-11. The Giants have the first pick, per Tankathon, based on strength of schedule. The Giants’ strength of schedule for all 17 opponents is currently .538, while the Titans’ in .573. There are four games remaining in the season.
The Giants have only had the No. 1 overall pick in the draft twice since 1936. In 1951, the Giants selected Kyle Rote, who made four Pro Bowls as an end and halfback for the Giants in an 11-year career. In 1965, the Giants selected running back Tucker Fredrickson. He made the Pro Bowl as a rookie, but missed the 1966 season due to a knee injury, and was never the same player. He retired after the 1971 season.
The Giants also famously traded for No. 1 overall pick Eli Manning on draft day in 2004, a move that helped them win two Super Bowls with Manning at quarterback.
Having selected Jaxson Dart in Round 1 this season, the Giants would be in an outstanding spot with the first pick in the 2026 draft. They would be able to either pick the player they most desired, or trade down with a quarterback-needy team for a bundle of draft assets.