ESPN Analyst Hypes Giants as an ‘11- or 12-Win Team'

The New York Giants finished 4-13 last season, but the team showed plenty of promise behind rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart and rookie running back Cam Skattebo.

The team had one of the better drafts, earning a "B+" grade from ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. after upgrading the team's pass-rush, offensive line, secondary, and wide receiver.

But how much have the Giants really improved? Well, if you ask ESPN insider Peter Schrager, the answer is dramatically. In fact, Schrager believes it wouldn't be surprising to see New York contend for an NFC East title and playoff spot.

"I think this might be an 11- or 12-win team, I really do," Schrager said. "I think the Jimmy's and Joe's are there, I think the players are - they have a very good roster - and early returns on the Harbaugh [hire].

"… In that offensive room, you've got Matt Nagy, Greg Roman, Brian Callahan - three really talented play-callers, and two of them former head coaches. … I'm not trying to go overboard, but it' has been some dark years for the New York football teams, and I don't think double-digit wins is crazy for the New York Giants."

Why It Matters

The Giants upgraded several positions of need this offseason.

They added linebacker Arvell Reese (Round 1), offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa (Round 1), cornerback Colton Hood (Round 2), and wide receiver Malachi Fields (Round 3) through the draft.

They also signed wide receivers Calvin Austin III and Darnell Mooney, tight end Isaiah Likely, center John Michael Schmitz Jr., defensive tackles Shelby Harris, Zacch Pickens, and DJ Reader, linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, cornerback Greg Newsome, and safeties Jason Pinnock and Ar’Darius Washington in free agency.

Add in new head coach Jim Harbaugh, who led the Baltimore Ravens to a 180-113 record with 12 playoff appearances, four AFC Championship Games, and one Super Bowl championship in 18 seasons, and the Giants could have one of the quickest turnarounds from worst to first in recent memory.

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This story was originally published May 13, 2026 at 4:30 PM.