New York Giants 2026 NFL Draft: Picks by round, biggest needs, best fits

TL;DR

The 2026 NFL Draft for the New York Giants begins on April 23 in Pittsburgh, with cornerback as their primary need. Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence's trade request could impact their draft strategy.

Key points

2026 NFL Draft starts April 23 in Pittsburgh
New York Giants' biggest need is cornerback
Dexter Lawrence's trade request may affect draft strategy
Greg Newsome II and Paulson Adebo are top corners

New York GiantsNFL Draft

The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off live from Pittsburgh on Thursday, April 23 and the latest crop of rookies will be hearing their names called all weekend long. For the New York Giants, the biggest need is an obvious one: Cornerback.

The Giants' biggest position of need will change if the team acquiesces to defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence's trade request. The Giants and Lawrence are at a contract impasse, a person close to the situation told USA TODAY Sports. They spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter. In the secondary, Greg Newsome II and Paulson Adebo are the team's top two corners. Newsome allowed a 107.5 passer rating and Adebo gave up a 98.2 passer rating when targeted last season.

MORE: Biggest need for every team entering 2026 NFL Draft

Here's everything you need to know about the New York Giants for this year's draft, including a round-by-round look at picks and a potential trade candidate already on the roster.

New York Giants NFL Draft best prospect fit: IOL Chase Bisontis, Texas A&M

Per USA TODAY's Ayrton Ostly:

The Giants are building around quarterback Jaxson Dart in Year 2 as a starter with a new coaching staff led by John Harbaugh. Another top wide receiver from this class would be great in Round 1 which leaves the Giants open to getting help protecting Dart in Round 2. Bisontis should be available there with a great background at tackle before moving inside to guard for the Aggies.