The New York Giants made a major shift earlier this offseason when they hired proven winner John Harbaugh as their next head coach.
Despite extremely high praise from Harbaugh earlier this offseason, the Giants traded star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence over the weekend. In exchange, they received the No. 10 pick in the 2026 NFL draft, just days before the draft begins.
While there were mixed emotions over losing Lawrence and the return the team received for the three-time Pro Bowler, the Giants’ front office will now shift its focus to how it will use its two top-10 picks in Thursday night’s draft.
After acquiring the 10th pick, many wondered if the Giants might be able to land not just one but two of their potential targets originally eyed at No. 5. However, a trade-back scenario for one or both picks could be in order for the Giants ahead of Thursday night.
“I would not be surprised if (the) Giants trade down from #10 for more draft capital if there is a buyer in top 20,” long-time NFL writer Gary Myers posted on X.
Heading into the offseason, the Giants were already without a third-round pick, which they had traded away in last year’s deal to move back into the first round and select quarterback Jaxson Dart.
While many thought the Giants could have used Kayvon Thibodeaux in a trade to acquire more draft capital this offseason, they instead ended up trading Lawrence after he had been considered “untouchable” early in the process.
While the Giants could get immediate impact starters at both No. 5 and No. 10—possibly players such as Sonny Styles and Caleb Downs—they would be smart to at least entertain offers to move back in the first round and acquire additional draft capital.
With the way the roster is constructed, and with Harbaugh now in place and wielding significant influence in the Giants’ draft room, the team’s direction is hard to predict heading into Thursday night’s draft. This is just the second time Harbaugh has had a pick in the top 10, and now he will have two in the same draft.
There are several players the Giants have been linked to while holding the No. 5 pick all offseason. However, if a team has a strong desire to move up, the Giants would be wise to listen to offers and potentially move down in exchange for additional draft compensation.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: 2026 NFL draft: Could New York Giants quickly flip No. 10 pick?
Reporting by Tyler Henry, Giants Wire / Giants Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
