2026 NFL draft: Prospects New York Giants should watch during Tuesday's bowl games

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The New York Giants are less than a week away from concluding a challenging 2025 campaign and are currently projected to select second overall in the 2026 NFL draft. A loss in their Week 18 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys and a Las Vegas Raiders victory over the Kansas City Chiefs would position them to secure the No. 1 overall pick.

Should they land a top-3 selection, the Giants are widely expected to trade down to acquire additional draft capital, with quarterback Jaxson Dart firmly established as the starter. Nonetheless, the team faces significant roster needs, including limited depth across multiple position groups.

With college bowl season underway, Giants scouts have one final major opportunity to evaluate top prospects in live game settings. They will continue their evaluations on Tuesday, when three bowl games are scheduled to take place.

Here is a quick breakdown of the players the Giants should have their eyes on today.

Independence Bowl: Coastal Carolina vs. Louisiana Tech

Player spotlight: Coastal Carolina safety Xamarion Gordon

The Giants will undoubtedly be in the market for a safety this offseason, but they are unlikely to find a starter in this game. Most prospects are considered late-round picks or undrafted rookie free agents, including Gordon.

Here is what Game Haus had to say about Gordon:

Gordon started his college career at USC. He spent three seasons with the Trojans, mainly contributing on special teams with 10 total tackles. He transferred to Coastal Carolina before the 2024 season. In his two seasons with the Chanticleers, Gordon has amassed 107 total tackles, four interceptions and seven passes defended.

He has decent size for an NFL safety at 6-foot-1 and 207 pounds. Gordon had some nice production in his last season at Coastal Carolina, but his experience on special teams could be what helps him make an NFL roster.

Other players of note:

Coastal Carolina EDGE Ezekiel Durham-Campbell
Louisiana Tech TE Eli Finley
Louisiana Tech WR Devin Gandy

Music City Bowl: Tennessee vs. Illinois

Player spotlight: Illinois defensive back Xavier Scott

It remains unclear whether Xavier Scott will play on Tuesday, but should he suit up, the Giants will likely have their eyes on him, given their needs in the secondary.

Here's what Draft Wire had to say about Scott:

Illinois has been extremely stealth about his status for this game. Due to injury, he has not played since Sept 22nd, but he hasn't been ruled in or out of the Music City Bowl yet. "X gonna take it from ya" is a ball-hawking defensive back with a penchant for making big plays and taking the ball away.

He has been out injured since landing awkwardly, while going for an interception in the later stages of Illinois' 38-0 win over Western Michigan. Why was he still in the game at that point? It's debatable, but prior to his injury, he was looking like a second or third round pick.

Other players of note:

Tennessee QB Joey Aguilar
Tennessee OT Lance Heard
Tennessee EDGE Jordan Ross
Tennessee EDGE Edwin Spillman
Tennessee WR Travis Smith Jr.
Illinois QB Luke Altmyer
Illinois WR Hank Beatty

Game notes: Tennessee cornerbacks Jermod McCoy and Colton Hood, defensive end Joshua Josephs, wide receiver Chris Brazzell, and linebacker Arion Carter will not play in this game. Additionally, Illinois edge rusher Gabe Jacas and offensive lineman J.C. Davis will also sit this one out.

Alamo Bowl: USC vs. TCU

Player spotlight: TCU safety Jamel Johnson

As noted above, the Giants are likely to dip their toe into the safety market this offseason, either in free agency or through the draft.

Here's what Draft Wire had to say about Johnson, a potential third-round pick:

A hard hitting, rangy safety who projects in the area of the 3rd to 5th round. He's like a football version of Phoenix Suns guard Dillon Brooks, in that he's a tremendously physical player.

When Johnson steps on to the gridiron, he approaches it just like Brooks does when he gets to the court- it's all about determination and physicality.

That will definitely score points with NFL GMs and scouts, as Johnson goes through the predraft process.

Other players of note:

USC QB Jayden Maiava
USC EDGE Anthony Lucas
TCU WR Eric McAllister
TCU S Bud Clark

Game notes: USC wide receivers Makai Lemon and Ja'Kobi Lane, tight ends Lake McRee and Walker Lyons, safety Kamari Ramsey, and linebacker Eric Gentry will not play in this game. TCU wide receiver Jordan Dwyer is out with a foot injury, while quarterback Josh Hoover left via the transfer portal.

This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: 2026 NFL draft: Prospects Giants should watch during Tuesday's bowl games

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