The first draft of the John Harbaugh era in New York could lay the foundation for getting the Giants back into contender status.
Harbaugh will evaluate New York’s roster after free agency to develop a draft plan that addresses the team’s biggest needs.
For now, we’ll take our best guess at what the Giants may do in each round of April’s draft.
Here we go...
Round 1 (5):Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Giants defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson coached Ravens star Kyle Hamilton to his first All-Pro team in 2023. While Downs is not a one-for-one comparison —he’s shorter and doesn’t have Hamilton’s length — he could deliver the same impact for the Giants’ defense that Hamilton provides for Baltimore.
Downs is highly instinctual and physical, excels in open-field tackling and possesses elite coverage skills. This season, the 6-0, 205-pound safety recorded 68 tackles, snagged two interceptions and forced two fumbles. He’s arguably the best player in the draft.
Round 2 (37):Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
Run Bell on a crossing route and watch him cruise past defensive backs for a big gain or a touchdown. That’s what this athletic freak does best. The 6-2, 220-pound wide receiver draws comparisons to Eagles star A.J. Brown.
The main concern with Bell is injury-related: after undergoing ACL surgery in December, he may not be ready for the start of the 2026 NFL season.
But if the Giants can look past that, they could create one of the league’s best wide receiver duos with Bell and Malik Nabers, making Jaxson Dart’s job at quarterback much easier.
In his final season with the Cardinals, Bell caught 72 passes for 917 yards and six touchdowns.
Round 4 (105):Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas
At 6-0, 188 pounds, Muhammad plays bigger than his size and moves with fluidity. This past season, he recorded 30 tackles, one sack and two interceptions.
As a rookie, Muhammad could start opposite Giants cornerback Paulson Adebo or provide depth behind the starters.
Round 5 (143):Aamil Wagner, OT, Notre Dame
The Giants need to build depth at tackle while searching for a long-term answer on the right side. Wagner is not pro-ready, but he offers developmental potential at 6-6 with 34 5/8 inch arms. At 302 pounds, he will need to add weight to survive in the NFL.
Round 6 (185):Kage Casey, OT, Boise State
A three-year starter for the Broncos, Casey projects best as an NFL guard who offers tackle versatility. He would bolster New York’s interior offensive line depth and could develop into a starter within a few years. At 6-5 and 316 pounds, Casey could make an immediate impact as a run blocker.
Round 6 (191):Roman Hemby, RB, Indiana
With rookie sensation Cam Skattebo returning from a major injury, the Giants would be smart to add more running back depth in case he’s unable to make the same impact next season.
Hemby would be a steal this late in the draft. The 6-0, 208-pound running back could compete with Tyrone Tracy for the No. 2 role.
In his last season with the Hoosiers, Hemby recorded 1,120 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, while splitting carries with Kaelon Black, another late-round prospect.
Round 6 (192):Oscar Delp, TE, Georgia
Delp was once considered a top tight end prospect, but limited production over the last two years has hurt his stock. This past season, he only caught 20 passes for 261 yards and one touchdown. His numbers could increase in the NFL thanks to his expectational athleticism and blocking ability, which could help him earn snaps early in his career.