Giants GM Schoen Outlines Strategy for 2026 NFL Draft
New York Giants General Manager Joe Schoen addressed the media this week, outlining the team's strategic considerations for the 2026 NFL Draft, where they hold the fifth overall selection. Schoen discussed the possibility of trading the pick, the unique composition of the draft's top prospects, and the team's assessment of its current roster.
The 2026 Draft Landscape
The 2026 NFL Draft is characterized by a concentration of top-rated prospects at positions not traditionally associated with the highest market value or top-10 selections. The players frequently mentioned as top prospects include running back Jeremiyah Love, inside linebacker Sonny Styles, safety Caleb Downs, and guard Vega Ioane.
Fernando Mendoza is widely reported as the only quarterback considered a surefire first-round selection.
The Giants currently possess seven selections in the draft. They do not own a third-round pick, which was traded to the Houston Texans in 2025, or any seventh-round picks. The team holds three selections in the sixth round.
Evaluating a Trade of the No. 5 Pick
Schoen addressed the potential of trading the No. 5 overall selection. He stated the team is open to all scenarios but noted that market dynamics could be a factor, suggesting there may be more teams interested in trading down than trading up.
Key points from Schoen on a potential trade:
- The Giants would not pass on a player they are "convicted on" simply to acquire additional draft picks.
- A trade down would be considered if moving back a few spots still allowed the team to select a player they value while gaining an extra pick, particularly if multiple similarly-rated players are available at their original spot.
- Conversely, staying put might be preferable if the team perceives a significant drop in talent at a position later in the draft.
Positional Value & Top Prospects
The discussion included the financial implications of selecting a player at a non-premium position with a high draft pick. Schoen noted that due to the NFL's rookie wage scale, a wide receiver selected at No. 5 would initially have a contract ranking outside the top 40 for his position, while a running back chosen at the same spot would likely have a contract ranking within the top 10 for his position.
Schoen commented on several top prospects:
- On linebackers Sonny Styles and safety Caleb Downs, Schoen indicated either player would immediately upgrade the Giants' defense.
- On running back Jeremiyah Love, Schoen described him as "an offensive weapon" and "not just a running back," citing his ability to play on third down, line up as a receiver, and catch passes.
State of the Giants Roster
When asked about the team's current running back group, Schoen stated, "We like our running back room now." He cited the rookie season of Cam Skattebo and the production of Tyrone Tracy over the last two years, and also mentioned Devin Singletary, Dante Miller, and Eric Gray.
Schoen described the team's current situation as being "in a different place" compared to when he became general manager. He noted that his initial focus was on upgrading the offensive line and acquiring a quarterback on a rookie contract, and that the Giants ranked fifth in the league in rushing during the 2025 season.
Background Context
- Schoen became Giants GM after the tenure of Dave Gettleman. He inherited running back Saquon Barkley but was unable to sign him to a long-term extension. The Giants placed the franchise tag on Barkley before he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles.
- New head coach John Harbaugh has stated a desire for a run-centric offense.