The clock is ticking in East Rutherford, and the New York Giants-now under the guidance of new head coach John Harbaugh-are officially on the clock in more ways than one. While the 2026 NFL Draft looms in the distance, the more immediate priority is assembling a full coaching staff. That process is already underway, and the front office knows that time is of the essence.
With the January 14th deadline for underclassmen to declare for the draft now passed, the next major checkpoint is the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. The final rosters are set (barring any last-minute changes), and practices kick off on January 27th.
For Harbaugh and the Giants, the goal is clear: have the offensive and defensive coordinators in place before the team touches down in Mobile. That’s not just about optics-it’s about efficiency.
The Senior Bowl is where coaching staffs begin to shape their draft boards with hands-on evaluations, and having key decision-makers in place is critical.
We don’t yet know what kind of schemes Harbaugh and his eventual staff will roll out in 2026, but we do know the kind of talent that will be on display in Mobile. Let’s break down a few names from both the American and National teams who could be of particular interest to the Giants.
Players to Watch - American Team
Ja’Kobi Lane, WR, USC
If the Giants choose to address another position in the first round, Lane could be a name to circle on Day 2.
He’s not a burner or a WR1 type, but he brings size, physicality, and a knack for winning contested catches-especially in the red zone and on third downs. At 6-foot-5, Lane gives off those classic possession receiver vibes.
He may not be flashy, but he’s the kind of steady target that helps move the chains.
Jalon Kilgore, S, South Carolina
With Dane Belton set to hit free agency, Kilgore could be a compelling option to fill a versatile role in the Giants’ secondary.
He spent time all over the field at South Carolina-nickel, deep safety, in the box-and that flexibility could be valuable in a modern NFL defense. At 6-foot-1 and 211 pounds, he has the frame and athleticism to cover ground in zone or match up in the slot.
Listed as a safety on the Senior Bowl roster, it seems the league sees him as a true back-end defender.
J.C. Davis, OT, Illinois
Davis is a big-bodied tackle at 6-foot-5, 335 pounds, and while some scouts think he might kick inside to guard at the next level, he’s been a steady presence on Illinois’ offensive line. He’s not a household name-yet-but a strong week in Mobile could push him up draft boards.
He’s currently projected as a Day 3 pick, but his size and consistency in both pass pro and the run game make him a potential riser.
Caleb Banks, iDL, Florida
Banks is one of the more intriguing defensive linemen in this class.
At 6-foot-6 and 330 pounds, he brings serious size to the interior, but he’s not just a space-eater-he’s got pass-rush juice too. An injury sidelined him for much of the season, but he returned late and has a chance to reassert himself among the top defensive tackle prospects in this draft.
If he puts together a dominant week in Mobile, he could sneak into the first-round conversation.
Davison Igbinosun, DB, Ohio State
Igbinosun played cornerback at Ohio State, but the “DB” designation on the Senior Bowl roster hints at his versatility.
At 6-foot-2, 195 pounds, he’s long and physical, and his 2025 tape backs it up. He allowed just a 42.6% completion rate, broke up 10 passes, picked off two, and tallied 53 tackles.
He’s effective in man coverage, confident in zone, and isn’t afraid to get involved in run support. That kind of all-around game is exactly what NFL teams want in today’s hybrid secondary roles.
Players to Watch - National Team
Cole Payton, QB, North Dakota State
Payton is one of the most intriguing quarterbacks in Mobile.
At 6-foot-2, 233 pounds, he’s built like a fullback but brings dual-threat ability that could catch eyes during practice week. He threw for 2,719 yards with 16 touchdowns and just four picks, while also rushing for 777 yards and 13 scores.
With Dante Moore returning to school, the quarterback group is wide open, and Payton has a real shot to climb. Even if he doesn’t crack the top tier, he could be a developmental option for a team like the Giants looking to build depth behind center.
Emmanuel Pregnon, OG, Oregon
Pregnon has been on the radar for a while, and for good reason.
He’s a mauler in the run game and holds his own in pass protection. The Giants have invested heavily in the offensive line in recent years, but they’re still looking for consistency on the interior.
Pregnon could be a plug-and-play option early on Day 2, and a strong showing at the Senior Bowl would only solidify his stock.
Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech
If the Giants are looking to bolster the depth behind Dexter Lawrence, Hunter is a name to know.
At 6-foot-4, 330 pounds, he’s a classic nose tackle-tough to move, stout against the run, and capable of collapsing the pocket. While he doesn’t have Lawrence’s twitch, he still managed 20 pressures, two sacks, and four QB hits this year.
That kind of production from the interior doesn’t go unnoticed.
Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
Rodriguez might not be the first linebacker off the board, but he’s one of the most decorated.
He swept the defensive awards circuit-Bednarik, Nagurski, Butkus-and his numbers back it up: 128 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, seven forced fumbles, six pass breakups, and four interceptions. At 6-foot-1, 230 pounds, he doesn’t wow with size, but he’s instinctive, aggressive, and productive.
He’s the kind of player who always seems to be around the ball.
Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
Johnson had one of the most impressive statistical seasons of any corner in the country.
Opposing quarterbacks posted a passer rating of just 16.1 when targeting him, and he came away with four picks-two of which he returned for touchdowns. Add in nine pass breakups and 49 tackles, and you’ve got a complete corner who can play man, zone, and isn’t afraid to stick his nose in the run game.
He’s a name to watch closely throughout the week.
The Giants may not have their full coaching staff in place just yet, but the Senior Bowl is coming fast-and with it, a crucial opportunity to evaluate talent up close. Whether it's finding a developmental quarterback, adding depth on the offensive line, or identifying versatile defenders, the work done in Mobile could shape the Giants’ draft strategy in a big way.
With Harbaugh now at the helm, the Giants are entering a new era. And it all starts with getting the right eyes on the right players-starting in Mobile.