The New York Giants had a very impactful offseason, and on paper, it seems like it is going to vastly improve this team in 2026. John Harbaugh offers a Super Bowl pedigree, the roster has improved almost across the board, and Jaxson Dart is set up for a major step forward in his second season.
But some still believe that this team is not yet ready to be given their flowers. That is a fair shake, as no real football has been played yet with these "improvements." It could be like putting a bunch of shiny and expensive car parts on a beat-up 1998 Toyota Camry.
All show and no sucess.
Giants fall to 23rd in ESPN roster rankings, last in the NFC East
ESPN pushed the narrative that the Giants are the 23rd-ranked starting lineup in the NFL as the calendar hits July. With all of the new pieces in place, like tight end Isaiah Likely, Darnell Mooney, and Francis Mauigoa on the offensive side of the ball, that is likely where this ranking bears its true weight.
The defensive side, which here got a serious injection of talent with Arnell Reese and the second-season incoming from Abdul Carter, definitely helps their placement. Losing Dexter Lawrence III on the interior of that defensive line is going to hurt, and Derrick Brown is going to have to step up big time.
Being in 23rd, the Giants were sandwiched between the Minnesota Vikings at No. 22 and the Carolina Panthers at No. 24. Not a terrible place to be, but not ideal when looking at this upcoming season as a return to the contender column.
This placement also places the Giants at the bottom of the NFC East. The Washington Commanders, who should be in the spot that the G-Men are in, were ranked as the 21st-best lineup. Dallas was a generous No. 14, and the Philadelphia Eagles were slotted as the second-best lineup in the NFL, behind the Los Angeles Rams.
The gap between the Giants and Washington should be a complete swap, as the Commanders did not do nearly enough this offseason to put themselves in a position to be better. Their defense did get some nice additions, but so did the Giants.
Dallas being at 14 is also a bit of a head-scratcher. There is more uncertainty going into 2026 than there was going into 2025. Running back Javonte Williams is going to be a pivotal player for them, as his breakout season cannot be a one-hit wonder. The true battle will be Jaxson Dart versus Dak Prescott, and with some new targets to use, Dart now has a serious advantage.
Give it a couple months, and the Giants will start to shoot up the rankings.
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