2026 NFL draft: Experts see Giants focusing on skill positions at No. 5

2026 NFL draft: Experts see Giants focusing on skill positions at No. 5

The New York Giants will be selecting fifth overall in the 2026 NFL draft, barring any blockbuster trade. With that pick, many experts believe they will concentrate on some of the top defensive difference-makers, such as Ohio State's two studs, linebacker Sonny Styles and safety Caleb Downs.

However, the experts at NFL Network don't think that would be the best use of the pick, citing need as well as best player available.

On Path to the Draft on Monday afternoon, Giants head coach John Harbaugh began the segment by providing an update on two players who are working their way back from serious injuries. Wide receiver Malik Nabers (knee) and running back Cam Skattebo (ankle) are expected to return for the regular season, fully recovered, but at the moment, both have a ways to go.

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"Skatt, probably, you know, is going to be ahead of Malik with that," said Harbaugh. "Just, I think you guys all know that. Skatt will probably get out there a little bit at some point in time. To some degree. I can't really -- it wouldn't be fair for me to give you days or dates or to what degree. I really haven't had that in-depth discussion with (head trainer Adam Bennett).

"I got a vague idea, but it's not that important today. And we try to focus on today. Malik is going to be more toward, you know, in the training camp and closer to the season. That's more Malik's timeline."

That brought them to predicting who the Giants might select with the No. 5 pick in the draft. Bucky Brooks favored Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, while Daniel Jeremiah opted for Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate.

"Based on John Harbaugh's history, I'm gonna go with Jeremiyah Love, and the reason why is the running back can settle down everything that is around (quarterback) Jaxson Dart by being able to have an effective running game," said Brooks.

"When I think about the Giants at their best is when they've been able to impose their will running the football, playing a physical brand of ball that allows them to dictate the terms to not only set up the offensive success but to protect that defense... And even though I like the thought of adding Carnell Tate to an offense that already features Malik Nabers, to me, you get more bang for your buck when you got a talented running back like Jeremiyah Love that can alleviate some of the pressure on Jaxson Dart."

Jeremiah chimed in with his case for Tate.

"Yeah, I don't know if your guys' ears perked up at all, but when he talked about Malik Nabers going into training camp and as we get closer to the season, I'm sitting here with like alarm bells going off, going, wait a second, Wan'Dale Robinson's gone, you brought in (tight end Isaiah) Likely, who I like, coming over. You know, Harbaugh's familiar with him, but they need some weapons on the perimeter for Jackson Dart. And that's why I think Carnell Tate's going to be in the discussion," Jeremiah said.

Jeremiah then admitted that Love was the better pick and has him rated higher.

"I have a higher grade on Love, so if you're going to push me into a decision there, I'm going to always lean towards best available player," he said. "But Carnell Tate's my 6th guy, and this is looking more and more like a real need and urgency here for the Giants at the wide receiver position. And to me, this is a complete receiver, somebody who can make plays down the field, big catch radius. And if Nabors is back, and when he's back healthy, that would be a fun one-two punch."

Decisions, decisions. The Giants' best bet is still to trade back a few slots, get themselves a Day 2 pick, and hope they can still land one of their top targets.

This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: 2026 NFL draft: Experts see Giants focusing on skill positions at No. 5