Giants fans need to know these top linebacker, cornerback, and safety prospects at the Senior Bowl for the 2026 NFL Draft
These defensive 2026 NFL Draft prospects should be on the New York Giants and John Harbaugh’s radar
The Senior Bowl is kicking off next week, setting up for Giants fans’ first major exposure to the upcoming draft class on a national stage. The annual All-Star Game in Mobile, Alabama, is always an amazing opportunity to see prospects’ performances against other talented players and prove their talent levels.
The 2026 NFL Draft presents the New York Giants with an opportunity to hit the ground running in year one of John Harbaugh. Nailing this draft is important, and Giants fans should be excited about many names on the Giants’ radar.
With a chaotic week of coverage for the Senior Bowl starting soon, I compiled a list of my favorite defensive prospects at positions of need that Giants fans should be paying attention to. The prospects I chose are players I’m intrigued by and believe have upside to become key members of the roster. The three defensive positions I prioritized were linebacker, safety, and cornerback
Linebacker prospects
Oregon LB Bryce Boettcher
Pitt LB Kyle Louis
Oklahoma LB Kendal Daniels
The linebacker class at the Senior Bowl is a bit underwhelming, and it’s unlikely they’ll be able to find a future starter in Mobile. Fixing the run defense starts with having better talent at linebacker, and ultimately, the Giants need to boost depth.
The three players I’ll be keeping an eye on are solid prospects with some upside. The one I want to see most is Kendal Daniels, a massive athlete with a lot of potential.
Cornerback prospects
Texas A&M CB Will Lee III
Georgia CB Daylen Everette
San Diego State CB Chris Johnson
Washington CB Tacario Davis
Washington CB Ephesians Prysock
Arkansas CB Julian Neal
Tennessee CB Colton Hood
Arizona CB Treydan Stukes
Finding a new starting outside cornerback and corner depth is key for this draft. There’s a deep group of cornerback prospects that could be Day 2 picks for the Giants that will be participating in the Senior Bowl.
Tacario Davis and Ephesians Prysock are tall and long corner prospects that fit the mold of John Harbaugh’s cornerbacks. Will Lee III, Julian Neal, and Daylen Everette also fit that profile.
Lee III is the prospect to watch the closest, as he has the physicality and length to be a plus starter in the NFL. He didn’t reach the level I hoped this season, but he could be selected in the second or third round, with the upside to start for the Giants.
Safety prospects
Toledon S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren
USC S Kamari Ramsey
Texas S Michael Taaffe
Penn State S Zakee Wheatley
LSU S AJ Haulcy
It’s time to find a replacement for Tyler Nubin and get a new strong safety for the defense. AJ Haulcy and Emmanuel McNeil-Warren could both be Day 2 picks that could fill that role.
McNeil-Warren in particular has my attention, and I’ll be watching him very closely. He is a rare athlete for a big safety prospect who has the potential to be a massive riser this season. He chose to return to Toledo despite having the tape to start for a contending team in college. He could be the ideal pick for the Giants in the second round.
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