The New York Giants head into the 2026 NFL Draft with a lot of optimism for what the John Harbaugh era can bring. With the team holding the No. 5 overall selection, they have a very important decision to make in just a couple of weeks.

When you look at all the mock drafts that populate the internet right now, the forecast for that selection is a bit all over the place. We have seen a lot of Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, and a trio of Ohio State stars in safety Caleb Downs, wide receiver Carnell Tate, and linebacker Sonny Styles. Those are the typical names right now.

There are obviously some scenarios that will play better into the Giants’ favor, and others that would be much less advantageous. When it comes to the latter, this exercise was created to try to understand what the worst-case scenario would be when draft night finally gets here. You always have to hope for the best and prepare for the worst.

Here is some context for who the Giants probably want to be on the board, and a scenario that would make things extremely difficult for the Giants.

Who the Giants want on the board 

As mentioned above, it would be the best-case scenario if the Giants had both Love and Tate on the board. Both of them being available is certainly possible, and for the sake of quarterback Jaxson Dart, putting talent around him is never a bad addition. That feels like the most likely route the Giants go right now.

If the Giants go defense, Styles and Downs would be extremely interesting, although it does feel a little bit early for each. Adding either, however, would definitely make the defense a lot more dynamic. The opportunity to trade back is another interesting conversation, although you would assume that the board would be strong with the No. 5 overall selection.

Worst-case scenario at No. 5 

While there will be talent to be had regardless, there are a couple of scenarios that feel less ideal for the Giants. Here is the one that feels like the worst-case scenario of them all.

1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana 

2. New York Jets: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State 

3. Arizona Cardinals: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame 

4. Tennessee Titans: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

As of today, going offense feels like the most likely scenario for New York. If they had to go defense with Love and Tate off the board, the interesting conversation of position value would get even stronger. While Downs is a good football player, No. 5 is very high for a safety, especially one who does his best work closer to the line of scrimmage. Styles also feels like a clunky fit since the team signed Tremaine Edmunds this offseason.

If this scenario did happen, trying to trade back feels like the more practical decision. The problem is that it is a draft that lacks premier talent at priority positions. Perhaps a pass rusher like David Bailey or Rueben Bain could interest a team enough, but it is impossible to know.

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