We’re taking a look at teams that could define the 2026 NFL Draft in the buildup to the event, whether through their multiple first-round picks, intriguing status as a franchise, prime pick position and more.
Other interesting draft teams: Dallas Cowboys | Los Angeles Rams | New York Jets | Kansas City Chiefs
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John Harbaugh’s first draft with the New York Giants was going to be compelling no matter what. The Giants landed the top available coach on the market and they had the fifth overall pick, to go with a roster that already has some fun young talent.
Then there was a twist. Dexter Lawrence, one of the best interior defensive linemen in the NFL, requested a trade amid a contract standoff.
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That made the Giants’ draft maneuvers even more intriguing. They’ve said they don’t want to trade Lawrence, but will also “pick up the phone” if teams call. How the Lawrence saga plays out will be the biggest story for the Giants through the draft. It’s possible that a trade could lead to plenty more picks to use on a pretty young roster.
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And they still have the fifth overall pick, which will create some headlines no matter what happens with Lawrence.
Giants try to figure out Dexter Lawrence situation
The Giants try to downplay Harbaugh having final say over personnel decisions, usurping general manager Joe Schoen, but most reports out of New York confirm that he will have that power. That wasn’t the case for Harbaugh with the Baltimore Ravens, and was reportedly an important issue for him as he negotiated with the Giants.
This offseason marks a turning point for the Giants. They got a coach in Harbaugh who is probably going to make the Hall of Fame someday. To get that done, they changed the structure of the organization over to him and gave him control over personnel. They already have an enticing core that includes quarterback Jaxson Dart, receiver Malik Nabers and edge rushers Abdul Carter and Brian Burns. Harbaugh could add to that group and the Giants could take off under his coaching. Or he’ll just be another failed coach in the post-Tom Coughlin era, albeit with a better résumé.
Head coach John Harbaugh of the New York Giants is entering his first NFL Draft with the team. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
(Justin Casterline via Getty Images)
Lawerence was supposed to be a part of that push forward. He still could be. Trade requests don’t need to be fulfilled, and it’s often just a leverage play in stalled contract negotiations. But it’s still a mess for Harbaugh and the Giants to clean up, whether they extend Lawrence or trade him for more draft capital.
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There are still significant needs on the roster, though the Giants would rather not add having to replace Lawrence, one of their best players.
What will Giants do with 5th pick?
The Giants have the fifth and 37th picks in the draft, then don’t go back on the clock until the 105th pick because they traded their third-round pick to the Texans to move up and select Dart in last year’s draft.
New York has to hit a home run at No. 5 and at least get on base with the 37th pick. There will be options. Would the Giants take the plunge on Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, widely considered by many the best player in the draft but one at a non-premium position? The Giants aren’t struggling at running back, though Love is far better than what they have and an undeniable talent. Love, if he’s even available with the fifth pick, would certainly be the most exciting pick the Giants could make.
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There are other needs though. The Giants need help at guard and a No. 1 cornerback, and there will be options for both spots at No. 5. They also need to bolster the interior of the defensive line, and that hole gets a lot bigger if Lawrence is gone. Finding receiving help to go with Nabers is an issue too. The Giants have some fun players but they’re also coming off a 4-13 season. There’s a lot of work to do. The Giants need a difference maker with the No. 5 pick, and at least a contributor at No. 37. There are too many holes to waste a valuable pick.
With the right moves, Harbaugh will be an instant hit in New York. And there will be plenty of eyes on him as he navigates what to do with Lawrence.
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