Giants GM Joe Schoen Discusses No. 5 Pick, Dexter Lawrence Trade Talks

New York Giants GM Joe Schoen addressed the team's plans for the 5th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 9:51pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting an abstract football or draft scene, with sharp planes of color and overlapping shapes representing the Giants' approach to the 2026 NFL Draft.The Giants' draft strategy aims to add top talent regardless of position, as reflected in this cubist-inspired illustration of the team's decision-making process.NYC Today

Giants general manager Joe Schoen spoke to reporters ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, discussing the team's plans with the No. 5 overall pick, the ongoing trade talks involving defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, and the collaborative effort between Schoen and new head coach John Harbaugh.

Why it matters

The Giants have struggled to be a consistent playoff contender in recent years, missing the postseason in 7 of the last 10 seasons. With another top-5 pick, Schoen and the Giants have a chance to add a high-impact player to help turn the franchise around.

The details

Schoen said the Giants have had productive conversations with Lawrence's representatives about his contract situation and a potential trade, adding that he'll continue to listen if teams call about the defensive tackle. The GM also discussed his draft philosophy of taking the best player available, noting that the makeup of this year's class and positional value will factor into their selection at No. 5. Schoen revealed the Giants have received a few calls from teams interested in moving up, but he doesn't anticipate trading back before draft night.

  • The Giants own the No. 5 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
  • Schoen met with reporters on April 14 to discuss the team's plans for the draft.

The players

Joe Schoen

The general manager of the New York Giants, who will be making the team's selections in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Dexter Lawrence

The Giants' defensive tackle who has requested a trade this offseason due to his contract situation.

John Harbaugh

The new head coach of the New York Giants, who is working collaboratively with Schoen on the team's draft plans.

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What they’re saying

“We've had good conversations with his representatives throughout the last five or six days. Trying to find a resolution. I'll echo what coach said last week, we'd like for Dexter to be here. At some point we'll come to a resolution here. Whatever that may be, we'll see. But conversations have been really good. They've been productive. We'll see what happens here down the road.”

— Joe Schoen, Giants General Manager

“Ideally they line up. If you look at what we did with Abdul... We're going through, we're going to stack the board, the best player available is the direction we'll go.”

— Joe Schoen, Giants General Manager

“Maybe it's not the surplus/higher paying positions when you get into free agency, but they may be the best players in this draft. Where we are roster-wise, being in a position to take best player available regardless of position.”

— Joe Schoen, Giants General Manager

What’s next

The Giants will make their selection with the 5th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 24.

The takeaway

With another top-5 pick, the Giants have a chance to add a high-impact player to their roster as they look to end their playoff drought and return to being a consistent contender in the NFC. Schoen's collaborative approach with new head coach John Harbaugh will be key as they aim to make the most of this year's draft.