New York Giants Explore 2026 Draft Trade Strategies for Extra Picks

General manager Joe Schoen faces a compact draft ledger after last year’s aggressive move for quarterback Jaxson Dart. The Giants surrendered 2025 second- and third-round picks and a 2026 third-rounder to the Texans to move up to No. 25. That decision created a 68-pick gap between New York’s second-round pick at No. 37 and its fourth-round selection at No. 105.

Current pick inventory

The Giants enter the draft with seven selections. They hold one pick in the first, second, fourth and fifth rounds. They also have three selections in the sixth round.

New head coach John Harbaugh joins a roster with fewer draft chips than many front offices prefer. Harbaugh’s background in Baltimore may influence the club’s trade strategy.

Why trading down is likely

Schoen has acknowledged a desire for more selections. Accumulating extra picks usually requires trading down. The front office will monitor offers during draft week.

Harbaugh experienced drafts with varying pick totals in Baltimore. The Ravens had seven or fewer picks in only four of his 18 drafts. In 2022 the Ravens used six fourth-round picks. Three of those players later rejoined Harbaugh in New York: Isaiah Likely, Daniel Faalele and Jordan Stout.

No. 5 represents the top chip

The Giants’ most valuable asset is the fifth overall selection. Trading that pick could yield multiple mid-round choices. Finding a partner will depend on the board and quarterback class depth.

• 2012 example: Buccaneers traded No. 5 to Jaguars for No. 7 and a fourth-round pick (No. 101). The Jaguars chose Justin Blackmon.
• 2023 example: Lions sent No. 6 and a third-rounder (No. 81) to Cardinals. Detroit received No. 12, No. 34 and No. 168. The Cardinals took Paris Johnson Jr.
• 2021 example: Eagles traded No. 6 and a fifth-rounder (No. 156) to Dolphins for No. 12, No. 123 and a 2022 first-round pick. Miami selected Jaylen Waddle.

Comparable scenarios could send No. 5 to another team for a combination of a later first-round pick and a mid-round choice. Trade charts also suggest deals such as No. 5 for No. 8 plus a late third-round pick. Those models guide negotiations. Schoen has said they will not give up an impact player purely to chase extra picks.

Second-round flexibility at No. 37

The No. 37 pick is a natural spot to move back. Teams that want to climb into the late first may prize early second-round assets. Schoen has used this approach before.

In 2022 Schoen first sent No. 36 to the Jets for No. 38 and a fifth-round pick (No. 146). He then traded No. 38 to the Falcons for No. 43 and a fourth-round pick (No. 114). Those moves produced Wan’Dale Robinson (No. 43), Dane Belton (No. 114) and Micah McFadden (No. 146).

Similar trades have moved teams down about 10 spots in the second round for a mid-third pick. The Seahawks’ 2019 deal that sent No. 37 to the Panthers for No. 47 and No. 77 is a clear precedent.

Day 3 and the No. 105 slot

No. 105 sits early on Day 3 and can attract teams hunting a specific player. Such trades usually exchange late-round capital. They can still net useful depth players.

Schoen will likely balance the desire for more picks with the need to secure players he values. The goal will be to leave the draft with both quantity and quality.

New York Giants Explore 2026 Draft Trade Strategies for Extra Picks remains a central theme for the front office. Filmogaz.com will continue to track proposals and rumors as draft day approaches.