Giants’ John Harbaugh sets sight on Ohio State star ahead of 2026 NFL draft

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Giants’ John Harbaugh sets sight on Ohio State star ahead of 2026 NFL draft

February 20, 2026

The New York Giants will start a new era under John Harbaugh, who replaced Brian Daboll as head coach. The one-time Super Bowl winner brought new hope to the Big Blue, and they are preparing for the first NFL offseason with the former Baltimore Ravens leader on the sidelines.

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The upcoming NFL draft could prove crucial for the Giants’ championship aspirations. They picked star wide receiver Malik Nabers in 2024 before adding two important pieces to the roster in 2025: Quarterback Jaxson Dart and running back Cam Skattebo.

Jan 20, 2026; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; John Harbaugh poses after the press conference announcing his hiring as the next New York Giants head coach at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images

Harbaugh could strengthen the secondary with the No. 5 pick in the 2026 draft. During a conversation on The Mike Francesa Podcast, Harbaugh floated the idea of drafting Ohio State safety Caleb Downs with that selection.

“We favor Hall of Fame safeties, so if we have a chance to draft a potential future Hall of Fame safety in Caleb Downs, that would be just fine with me,” Harbaugh said. “We’ll take the best player. When you draft that high, you take the best player. It’s not a need pick, it’s a best player pick because you’re going for the guy that’s going to be that kind of player. You’re talking about a player that you would like to see someday wearing a gold jacket if possible.”

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John Harbaugh’s Giants considered contenders for 2026 NFL season

Jan 20, 2026; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; John Harbaugh arrives at the press conference announcing his hiring as the next New York Giants head coach at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images

The addition of Harbaugh to a talented and young team makes the Giants a squad to watch in 2026. So much so that Thomas Valentine of Pro Football Focus sees them as contenders next season.

“The Giants made an early statement ahead of free agency by hiring former Ravens head coach John Harbaugh — a move that signals an intention to compete sooner rather than later,” Valentine wrote. “The addition of offensive coordinator Matt Nagy is somewhat less inspiring, but turning the defense over to Dennard Wilson, who inherits a talented defensive line, is a strong complementary move.”

New York posted a 4-13 record in 2025. They showed flashes, but the team’s overall performance wasn’t the best. John Harbaugh inherited a solid cast that could get much better with a potential Caleb Downs addition.