EAST RUTHERFORD – The New York Giants remain in position to add top shelf talent in the 2026 NFL Draft.
It’s become the saving grace of being a team that underachieves and loses far too much in the regular season – the offseason becomes that much more exciting and entertaining.
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On their bye week, the Giants jumped to the top of next year’s draft and suddenly have control of the first pick thanks to the Tennessee Titans‘ victory over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.
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The losing is difficult to stomach, but the more a team does, the better its draft positioning gets.
The Giants (2-11) would own the No. 1 pick in the draft, according to Tankathon.com, which projects the order based on standings and strength of schedule (SOS).
But the circumstances facing the Giants this year are certainly different than they were a year ago, as the franchise believes it has its quarterback of the present and the future with rookie Jaxson Dart.
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With the way Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza performed last Saturday night in leading the Hoosiers to the Big Ten championship, it’s believed that he will be the sought-after prospect by teams such as the Jets and Raiders, who are expected to be in the market for a QB.
That could bring the Giants a significant haul of draft assets if they stay at No. 1 and look to deal the pick. Big Blue has held the first overall pick twice in franchise history: in 1951 (Kyle Rote) and 1965 (Tucker Frederickson), but that was prior to the common draft post the league’s 1970 merger.
Here’s a look at the prospects that should interest the Giants the most while also acknowledging a lot can change over the next five months:
Carnell Tate, Ohio State wide receiver
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Carnell Tate (17) runs in a touchdown against the Michigan Wolverines in the second half of the NCAA football game at Michigan Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025 in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Tate has elevated his game from late first-round selection to potentially the first receiver off the board. He’s carved out his own place in an offense that features sophomore star Jeremiah Smith as a polished route runner who is also explosive. Pair Tate with a healthy Malik Nabers and Dart could have one of the most dynamic tandems as weapons in the NFL.
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Caleb Downs, Ohio State safety
Downs sets the tone on the back end and it would be a surprise if he is not the first safety selected in the Top 10 since Jamal Adams went No. 6 to the Jets in 2017. There may be some question as to what the Giants would do with Jevon Holland and Tyler Nubin if they picked Downs. But he’s an elite defender with the potential to change a defense. You make the pick and figure it out, especially with a new coaching staff coming in.
Downs has played in an NFL scheme at Ohio State for much of his college career, showing he can have an impact in coverage and in the box against the run.
Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State wide receiver
The 6-foot-2, 200-pound Tyson represents a complete package of size, versatility and explosiveness that would complement Nabers as well. He is a playmaker with excellent acceleration and downfield ball skills. Tyson has 19 touchdowns in his last 21 games and is also a legitimate Top 10 pick.
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Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame running back
Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jeremiyah Love (4) celebrates after scoring against the Syracuse Orange during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium on Nov. 22, 2025.
Forget what you have come to expect from the Giants under the current regime and expectations for the running back position. Love is a special talent, and this offense is in a different spot than when Saquon Barkley was taken No. 2 overall. The Heisman finalist is only 20 years old, and this season he exploded for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns. When you see Jahmyr Gibbs do what he does in Detroit, Love can be that good.
Peter Woods, Clemson defensive lineman
Woods is an athletic freak who has dominated college competition, becoming one of the best defensive tackles in the nation with 84 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, and five sacks. The last defensive lineman the Giants took in the first round is Dexter Lawrence, another Clemson star, and that’s worked out well.
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Arvell Reese, Ohio State edge/inside linebacker
Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) blocks a pass by Ohio Bobcats quarterback Parker Navarro (13) in the second half at the Ohio Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio.
If Reese was solely an edge rusher, there could be an argument against his selection with Abdul Carter and Brian Burns already here, and Kayvon Thibodeaux under contract through next year. But Reese is one of the top talents on the board, and his versatility to be used as a chess piece is certainly intriguing. He’s physically impressive, too, and by the time the draft rolls around, Reese may be the No. 1 non-QB in this class.
Francis Mauigoa, Miami offensive lineman
Mauigoa has been a three-year starter for Miami, playing all but 13 of his snaps at right tackle over the past three seasons. He plays with great power, using his size (6-foot-6, 315 pounds) well, and is nimble enough to excel in pass protection.
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Mansoor Delane, LSU cornerback
Delane raised his game after transferring from Virginia Tech before this season. He has excellent size for the position (6-foot, 190 pounds) and is very comfortable making plays at the catch point, causing disruption for receivers. He has shown good instincts and football IQ, and is a willing run defender. The Giants have Paulson Adebo under contract, but with Tae Banks’ struggles and Cor’Dale Flott a pending free agent, it’s not unrealistic to see them attack this position early.
Sonny Styles, Ohio State linebacker
The 21-year-old Styles can be a hybrid defender for a creative mind with the ability to play safety and inside linebacker. He’s incredibly athletic and uses his 6-foot-4, 245-pound frame well. Styles is the caliber of player who could completely remake the Giants’ defense with his presence in the middle of the field.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NY Giants potential No. 1 pick options for 2026 NFL Draft