What Giants could do at defensive line in the 2026 NFL Draft


Stop the run. That is new head coach John Harbaugh’s marching order.

He will not tolerate what the Giants defense devolved into the past few years — loose and lacking against opposing rushing attacks, 31st in the league in 2025.

Harbaugh wants an anchor to stick next to nose tackle Dexter Lawrence to eat up some double-teams and allow Big Dex to shake off a subpar 2025 showing.


What Giants could do at defensive line in the 2026 NFL Draft
Ohio State defensive lineman could be a run-stuffing answer for the Giants in the 2026 NFL Draft. Getty Images

About that trade request by Lawrence: Sweetening his contract will assuage that request. This team cannot move forward without him.

Darius Alexander did some decent things as a rookie but he is not that type of space-eater.

Veteran Roy Robertson-Harris returns and Sam Roberts was signed in free agency. It will come as no surprise if the Giants use a Day 2 pick on an interior defensive lineman.

If Kayden McDonald (Ohio State), a 326-pound run-stuffer, makes it out of the first round, the Giants could pounce.

Other options include Christen Miller (Georgia) and Caleb Banks (Florida).