The 2025 NFL season is likely a make-or-break year for New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen. While the roster has intriguing young talent like wide receiver Malik Nabers, quarterback Jaxson Dart, and edge rusher Abdul Carter, it is hard to see this group making a legitimate playoff run. However, a strong 2026 NFL Draft class could put the franchise back on track. Here are five prospects the Giants should seriously consider.
Five targets for the Giants in the 2026 NFL Draft
Spencer Fano, OT, Utah: If the Giants want to build around Jaxson Dart, they need to keep him upright, and Spencer Fano is the best offensive tackle in the 2026 class. He allowed just one sack last season and led all tackles with a 93.0 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, including a 93.6 run-blocking grade. At 6-6, 302, he has started 24 games at both left and right tackle and enters 2025 as a preseason All-Big 12 pick. With Jermaine Eluemunor set to hit free agency and Andrew Thomas struggling to stay healthy despite his massive extension, Fano gives New York a smart, polished, plug-and-play option with All-Pro potential.
Jyaire Hill, CB, Michigan: The Giants were happy with what they got from 2024 NFL Draft second-round pick Tyler Nubin and third-rounder Andru Phillips, but there is still a big hole at the corner spot opposite Phillips. Michigan’s Jyaire Hill is a big, athletic corner with high upside. If he can have a more consistent season in 2025, he could push himself into high second-round range and give New York a long-term starter on the outside.
Adding another defensive game-wrecker
Deontae Lawson, MLB, Alabama: One of the more intriguing situations in New York is the one surrounding Bobby Okereke, who doesn’t appear to be seeing eye to eye with the coaching staff and has already missed some practices. If the team moves on from him, Alabama’s Deontae Lawson could be a strong replacement. Lawson is a quick linebacker who covers ground sideline to sideline and is one of the more reliable tacklers in the 2026 class. If he returns to form after suffering a season-ending torn ACL against Georgia, he has the talent to be a high day-two pick.
Aamil Wagner, OT, Notre Dame: If New York decides to re-sign Jermaine Eluemunor and Andrew Thomas stays healthy, they could decide to address the offensive tackle position later in the NFL Draft. If they do, Notre Dame’s Aamil Wagner could be a good addition on day three of the 2026 NFL Draft. Wagner is an athletic offensive tackle who can easily get to the second level. He also has the type of character the New York Giants would love to add to their roster.
More 2026 NFL Draft at NFL Mocks:
Joe Royer, TE, Cincinnati: The Giants lack depth at the tight end position behind Theo Johnson, and while they drafted Thomas Fidone II in the seventh round this season, it’s hard to see him making much of an impact. A tight end who could make an impact, though, is Cincinnati’s Joe Royer, who broke the Bearcats' single-season reception record for tight ends last year with 50 catches—surpassing four-time All-Pro Travis Kelce. Royer has some of the best hands in the 2026 tight end class, having dropped only two passes last season, and consistently snags the ball away from his body.