The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft is in the books, and for the New York Giants, the waiting game has been an exercise in patience. With no first-round pick--traded earlier to acquire a veteran quarterback--the Giants enter Day 2 with a single selection currently slotted at No. 37 overall in the second round. That's it. One pick in the top 100. Pressure? You bet.
But here's the thing: Day 2 of the draft is where championship teams are built. The first round gets the headlines, but the second and third rounds are where general managers earn their paychecks. The Giants' front office, led by general manager Joe Schoen, has a history of finding value in this range. If they play their cards right, they could walk away with a player who becomes a cornerstone for years to come.
So who's still on the board? Which prospects slipped out of the first round and could be available when the Giants go on the clock? Let's break down the best available players for New York on Day 2.
The Giants' Big Board: What They Need
Before diving into names, it's worth setting the table. The Giants enter this draft with a roster that has clear strengths--and glaring weaknesses. After addressing the quarterback position via trade and free agency, the focus now shifts to building around that signal-caller. The offensive line, particularly at right tackle and interior depth, remains a priority. Wide receiver is another area of concern after the departure of a key veteran in free agency. On defense, the Giants could also use reinforcements at cornerback, edge rusher, and possibly safety.
With only one Day 2 pick, Schoen and his staff have to be ruthlessly efficient. They can't afford to reach. They need a player who can contribute immediately--not a project who will take two years to develop.
Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
Let's start with a name that's been circulating heavily in mock drafts and big boards leading up to the draft: Kayden McDonald, the defensive tackle from Ohio State. McDonald was widely projected as a late first-round pick, but a combination of factors--including a deep class of edge rushers and a run on offensive tackles--pushed him into Day 2.
McDonald is a disruptive force on the interior. At 6-foot-3 and 320 pounds, he has the size to hold the point of attack against the run, but his quickness off the snap makes him a threat as a pass rusher. He recorded 7.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss in his final season with the Buckeyes, and his motor runs hot on every snap. For a Giants defense that struggled to generate consistent pressure up the middle last season, McDonald would be a natural fit.
The Giants already have Dexter Lawrence anchoring the defensive line, but adding a player like McDonald would allow defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson to create more favorable matchups. Lawrence commands double teams; McDonald could feast on one-on-one blocks. It's a pairing that could elevate the entire defensive front.
McDonald is the type of player who could go off the board early in the second round, so if the Giants have their eye on him, they may need to be ready to pull the trigger at No. 37. He's the kind of high-floor, high-ceiling prospect that Schoen has targeted in the past.
Offensive Line Options
If the Giants want to protect their new quarterback, the offensive line must be addressed. The team invested in a veteran left tackle in free agency, but the right side of the line remains a question mark. Several offensive linemen who slipped out of the first round could be available on Day 2.
One name to watch is a versatile interior lineman who can play both guard and center. His ability to step in immediately at right guard would give the Giants flexibility, especially if they want to move current starters around to find the best five. Another option is a tackle prospect who played on the left side in college but has the traits to flip to the right. He's raw but has the athletic profile that offensive line coaches love.
The Giants have invested heavily in the offensive line in recent drafts, but the returns have been mixed. Adding a Day 2 prospect who can start by Week 1 would be a significant win.
Cornerback Depth
The Giants' secondary has been a revolving door in recent seasons. While the team has a young cornerback who showed flashes last year, the depth behind him is thin. A first-round run on cornerbacks saw several top prospects go off the board, but there are still intriguing options available.
A press-man corner from the SEC could be the answer. He's physical at the line of scrimmage, has the length to disrupt timing routes, and excels in man coverage--a scheme fit for Wilson's defense. He may not have the elite speed of a first-rounder, but his technique and football IQ make him a reliable option on the boundary or in the slot.
Another name to consider is a zone-savvy corner from the Big Ten who reads quarterbacks well and has a knack for breaking on the ball. He's not a burner, but he's sticky in coverage and rarely gets beat deep. In a division with elite wide receivers, the Giants need all the help they can get in the secondary.
Wide Receiver Depth
The Giants' wide receiver room has talent, but it's top-heavy. After their number one option, the depth chart gets murky. A young, explosive receiver who can win on the outside or in the slot would be a welcome addition.
One prospect who fits the bill is a speedy wideout from a small school who dominated at the Senior Bowl. He's raw in terms of route running, but his straight-line speed is elite. He can take the top off a defense and create explosive plays--something the Giants lacked last season.
Another option is a more polished route runner from a Power Five program who doesn't have elite size but wins with separation and reliable hands. He'd be a perfect complement to the Giants' possession receivers and could step in as a slot option immediately.
Edge Rusher Sleeper
The Giants have Kayvon Thibodeaux and an established veteran opposite him, but depth at edge rusher is always a priority. A late-second-round run on pass rushers could leave a productive edge player from a smaller conference available. He may not have the elite athletic traits of a first-rounder, but his production--double-digit sacks in two consecutive seasons--is hard to ignore.
He wins with a combination of power and technique, and he plays with a relentless motor. In a rotation, he could be a valuable contributor on passing downs. The Giants have shown they're willing to take chances on productive players from non-Power Five schools, so don't be surprised if they pull the trigger here.
The Trade-Down Possibility
One thing to keep in mind: the Giants could also look to trade down from No. 37. With only one pick on Day 2, Schoen might be motivated to acquire additional capital. If a team in the early third round falls in love with a player who's still on the board, the Giants could slide back, pick up an extra pick, and still land a quality prospect.
It's a scenario that makes sense for a team with multiple roster holes. The Giants have needs across the board, and adding a fourth-round pick--or even two--would give them more flexibility on Day 3. Schoen has shown he's not afraid to make deals. If the value is there, expect him to listen.
Final Thoughts
Day 2 of the NFL Draft is always unpredictable. Players who were considered locks for the first round can slide. Sleepers can emerge. And general managers have to make split-second decisions that define their tenure.
For the New York Giants, the stakes are high. They invested heavily in their quarterback position this offseason. Now it's time to build around him. Whether they go with a defensive tackle like Kayden McDonald, add an offensive lineman, or shore up the secondary, the Giants need to hit on this pick.
The board is set. The clock is ticking. Giants fans will be watching closely.
