2026 NFL draft buzz: Could New York Giants trade up in Round 2?

The New York Giants have just one selection at the 2026 NFL draft on Friday night: The fifth pick in Round 2 (No. 37 overall). They do not own a third-round pick, having traded it away last April in the deal to move up to draft quarterback Jaxson Dart.

So, the logical move here for them would be to take that second-round pick and maximize it. Trade back and get an additional Day 2 section, right?

Not so fast. This draft isn't a very deep one. Most of the cream has already risen, and what's left could be going fast. The Giants could be seeking to trade up in Round 2 to grab one of the last big names on their draft board.

The Giants have five picks on Day 3, and the odds of many of those selections sticking with the team this summer are fairly slim. General manager Joe Schoen and head coach John Harbaugh have already filled many of the open holes on the roster. Those Day 3 selections aren't likely to bring many solutions.

So, who could they be looking to reel in on Friday night?

Well, they still need to backfill the void at defensive tackle left by the Dexter Lawrence trade. Ohio State's Kayden McDonald is still on the board. Many draftniks had him rated as their top iDL in this draft.

There are a couple of cornerbacks the Giants could have their eye on -- Tennessee's Jernod McCoy and Colton Hood, Avieon Terrell of Clemson -- as well.

Let's not forget Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren. After passing on Caleb Downs twice, EMW would be a nice rebound to placate both Malik Nabers and all the other naysayers.

The Giants are still in the market for a wide receiver, and one that stands out is Denzel Boston of Washington. Then there are still plenty of interior offensive linemen to be had, such as Texas A&M's Chase Bisontis, Emmanuel Pregnon of Oregon, and Iowa's Gennings Dunker.