Jason Leach
We’re just days away from the 2026 NFL Draft, and there’s a ton of excitement about how the New York Giants will operate the draft under head coach John Harbaugh.
The 63-year-old head coach will look to acquire players who fit his philosophy and who can become eventual leaders of the team. The Giants have seven draft picks, but only two are in the top 100 (5th and 37th overall), which makes it even more imperative that they hit on their first two picks.
For months, there’s been widespread speculation on what the team will do with the fifth overall pick, but we’ll take a look at five options for Big Blue with their pick in Round 2.
Kayden McDonald DT, Ohio State
Whether or not the team trades Dexter Lawrence, at some point, they’re going to have to address the interior defensive line. A player that would be ideal to either replace Lawrence or to play with him is Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald.
The 6’2, 326-pound defensive lineman had a spectacular junior season in 2025, where he started all 14 games and had 65 tackles, nine tackles for a loss, three sacks, and was named a Unanimous All-American.
He uses his strength and leverage to disrupt the middle of opposing offensive lines, which allows him or one of his teammates to make the play. He displayed quickness and good change of direction, which allows him to make plays behind the line of scrimmage.
Chris Johnson CB, San Diego State
After losing starting corner Cor’Dale Flott in free agency, the team will look to add a corner at some point in the draft, and if Chris Johnson is still on the board at pick 37, he could be the newest addition to the team.
After recording just two interceptions in his first three seasons at San Diego State, Johnson had a breakout year as a senior, coming away with four interceptions and returning two of those for touchdowns. He also had 49 tackles, was credited with nine pass defenses, had one sack, and one forced fumble.
The six-foot, 193-pound versatile corner has the ability and footwork to play on the outside and in the slot. He is also a vicious tackler and would be a great addition to defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson’s unit.
Chase Bisontis G, Texas A&M
One of the areas of concern on the Giants’ roster is the interior offensive line. This is why Texas A&M guard Chase Bisontis is a viable option in round two. The versatile offensive lineman had played both guard positions as well as right tackle during his three years at Texas A&M.
The 6’5 315-pound lineman has a ton of experience, having appeared in 36 games, which is a quality that New York always looks for. He showed his athletic ability when he ran a 5.02 40 time. He’s equipped with all the tools to be an immediate starter at guard, such as strength, toughness, and solid footwork.
He’s one of the best interior offensive linemen in this draft, and if New York could get him at 37, he could be one of the steals of the draft.
CJ Allen LB, Georgia
Some feel CJ Allen is the second-best off-the-ball linebacker in this draft, only behind Sonny Styles, and it’s with good reason, as he was named First-Team All-American in 2025 after recording 88 tackles.
In his three years at Georgia, he had 205 tackles, 13 ½ tackles for a loss, four and a half sacks, two forced fumbles, and one interception. Not only can he make tackles all across the field, but he disguises his blitzes well and should be able to produce a handful of sacks a season.
If Big Blue passes on Styles in round one, Allen should be at the top of their board in round two.
Keylan Rutledge G, Georgia Tech
Another offensive guard who could be on New York’s radar is Georgia Tech’s Kaylan Rutledge. Rutledge spent his first two seasons with Middle Tennessee State before coming over to Georgia Tech in 2024.
He’s appeared in a total of 48 games and started 43 of them, allowed just two sacks, and was named Third-Team All-American in 2025. In his final season, he had 440 pass blocking snaps and didn’t allow a sack
The 6’3, 316-pound guard has built a reputation as a mauler but is also athletic and ran a 5.05, and is able to get to the second level in run blocking in a combo block concept. If New York takes him with the 37th overall pick, he’ll be one of the starting guards in Week 1.
