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Assessing the New York Giants' first four games of the 2026 campaign comes with a major caveat: the early schedule presented challenges that neither the team nor its supporters could have anticipated. Season-ending knee injuries to quarterback Jaxson Dart and outside linebacker Brian Burns forced both the offense and defense to rethink their strategies on the fly.
Even so, Big Blue is beginning to establish a clear identity, demonstrating how much of a difference competent coaching can make. The focus here, however, is on the players. What follows is a position-by-position report card for the Giants through the first quarter of the season.
Quarterback: C
Dart's stellar performance in the Week 1 victory over the Dallas Cowboys prevents this grade from falling lower. Jameis Winston, the top overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, has been mostly unreliable as the replacement, though he did make some winning throws against the Arizona Cardinals. Winston has completed only 55.1 percent of his passes for 479 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions. His typically powerful arm appeared depleted in his first two starts, but he showcased his trademark deep-ball ability—and his trademark deep-ball unpredictability—last Sunday. That is the Famous Jameis that fans have come to know and tolerate. If the positive plays continue to outweigh the negative ones, as they arguably did against Arizona, New York's offense might stay afloat. But if Winston reverts to his September form, J.J. McCarthy will be taking snaps under center.
Running Backs: B
The Giants' backfield hasn't been aesthetically pleasing or highly efficient, yet Cam Skattebo and Najee Harris are executing John Harbaugh's blueprint effectively. The duo is wearing down defenses with a physical running style, helping the offense control the clock. Skattebo is averaging just 3.5 yards per carry, but that figure should climb as he distances himself from last year's severe ankle injury. The 28-year-old Harris is averaging 4.0 yards per rush while displaying plenty of power. Tyrone Tracy Jr. could offer valuable explosiveness, as he did on a 55-yard kick return versus the Cardinals. Still, Harbaugh clearly prefers not to give him carries—at least not right now.
Tight Ends: A
Despite totaling just 46 receiving yards in Weeks 2 and 3, Isaiah Likely has been a welcome addition to the Giants' offense. He excelled in the season opener, catching all eight of his targets for 78 yards and two touchdowns. The veteran tight end added another 66 yards against Arizona. He is the reliable No. 2 target that fans were hoping for. Theo Johnson is a fine backup option. The inconsistent but physically gifted pass-catcher made a strong touchdown grab to give the Giants the lead for good in last Sunday's win. He remains a viable red-zone threat.
Wide Receivers: C
It would be unfair to overly penalize the Giants' wide receiver group for Winston's shortcomings, but there is plenty of room for improvement. Malik Nabers enjoyed a productive NFL return against the Cowboys and looked like his old self in a Week 4 meeting with the Cardinals. The 23-year-old was simply electric, leaping to make terrific grabs and showing impressive bursts. If he builds momentum, this grade should rise noticeably by season's end. Other than Nabers, no wideout has 10 catches. Rookie Malachi Fields has shown promise (15.8 yards per reception), and Darnell Mooney has a couple of key first downs. This squad's passing attack may be limited for the rest of the campaign, so New York will need to define itself in the trenches.
Offensive Line: C
The earlier leniency with the backfield was partly because the interior offensive line can help Skattebo and Harris much more. Francis Mauigoa is finding his way at right guard, and Jon Runyan Jr. has been playing better after a rough first couple of games, but John Michael Schmitz remains a weak link at center. Bryan Hudson did not allow a sack or pressure on Sunday, so if Harbaugh makes a switch, the unit could collectively improve. Penalties are also an issue. Runyan and Jermaine Eluemunor have combined for nine through the first four games. This O-line has top-10 potential, especially with Eluemunor and Andrew Thomas protecting the outside. But the Giants might need a couple of tweaks and more discipline to meet that standard.
Defensive Line: B-
The Giants gained traction as a dark-horse playoff pick in the preseason, but one of the main reasons many remained skeptical was this specific position group. With Dexter Lawrence gone, it was hard to tell how ineffective Big Blue's defensive tackle unit would be in 2026. The results have been pleasantly surprising. Although D.J. Reader and Shelby Harris boast a wealth of experience and have been mostly reliable throughout their respective NFL careers, it was fair to wonder if the team was asking too much of them. That could still be the case, but Reader has been an especially active presence on the defensive line. He has four stops and four total pressures this season, doing his part to patch up the Giants' leaky run defense. Harris has been far more volatile, but he can obviously still impact a game. The 35-year-old got his hands on a Jacoby Brissett pass and enabled rookie Arvell Reese to record a pivotal interception in Week 4. Additionally, he has no missed tackles in 118 defensive snaps. This tandem has done a fine job of minimizing the damage left behind from Lawrence's departure. That being said, the Giants are still allowing opponents to rush for 4.7 yards per attempt.
Outside Linebackers: B-
Even before Burns tore his ACL, New York's pass rushers were not close to their collective ceiling. Generating sufficient pressure should be extremely difficult now, but Abdul Carter is still lurking on the edge. The 22-year-old outside linebacker bounced back after quiet showings versus the Los Angeles Rams and Tennessee Titans, and he ravaged the Cardinals' O-line. His low sack total has to improve, but he is still a game-changer. Defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson will have to cover the Burns-sized hole and give Carter more chances to feast.
Inside Linebackers: B+
Excluding an awful night in Los Angeles against the Rams, the Giants' revamped linebacker unit has carried itself quite well so far. Reese was a human wrecking ball against Arizona, moving across the field to make one positive play after another. He boasts an NFL-leading 27 solo tackles and also has four passes defended. Dynamic and productive, what more can fans want from a No. 5 overall draft pick? They could ask a bit more from Tremaine Edmunds, however. The two-time Pro Bowler is in the first season of a three-year, $36 million contract. Even so, he is still a solid tackler and versatile defender. A previous area of weakness is becoming a strength.
Safeties: A
Tyler Nubin has had tough moments (19.3 yards allowed per reception), but Jevon Holland's early-season brilliance gives the safety room a well-deserved A. The former Miami Dolphins defensive back amassed a career-high three interceptions in the first three games of the campaign, including a game-sealing one in the end zone against Tennessee. Secondary specialist Wilson is expertly accentuating his playmaking abilities. Holland has also recorded two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and four passes defended. He is arguably the Giants' MVP through Week 4.
Cornerbacks: C
We will call this a rising C after Deonte Banks and Greg Newsome II helped the team earn its third win of the season. The former clinched it with a pick-six and played excellent coverage overall, while the latter prevented some big gains. The cornerback room is still a work in progress, though. The Giants gave Paulson Adebo $38.5 million guaranteed to top the depth chart, but he has been both unreliable and unhealthy. Rookie second-rounder Colton Hood is promising yet raw, so Banks and Newsome will have to shoulder the workload this season. While the results may look more mixed against superior competition, this duo is inspiring optimism that did not exist before September.
Specialists: A+
Both sides of the ball have shown more physicality and athleticism, but the biggest change the Harbaugh Era has brought is the special teams unit. A new kicker and new punter have dramatically elevated this squad's floor. Undrafted free agent Dominic Zvada is 9-for-9 on field goal attempts, including three makes from 50 yards or more. All-Pro Jordan Stout drilled a 78-yard punt and has pinned 10 balls inside the 20-yard line, which ranks third in the NFL, per Pro Football Focus. Coaching undoubtedly helps, but those two men are a huge reason why New York has looked sturdier while holding leads. Tracy may also secure a role as a kick returner following his big moment versus Arizona. The third phase of the game is arguably the Giants' best one through the first quarter of the season.