The 2026 NFL Draft has officially wrapped, which means it’s time for the media to hand out grades to players who haven’t taken a snap and for fans to overreact like they are scouts, head coaches, and general managers. For Big Blue, this marked the first draft under new head coach John Harbaugh. It was always going to feel different across the organization, but at least Harbaugh had General Manager Joe Schoen by his side for press conferences, photo opportunities, and someone to laugh at his jokes.
There are still questions about why former owner Steve Tisch was in the draft room, but Schoen, who should not be the one to address that, mostly brushed it off, saying Tisch was there “as he always is.”
While the Giants passed on Caleb Downs (twice) and watched him land with the Cowboys, they still came away with a very solid, Harbaugh-style draft. If you had any doubts about his influence, just look at how the Ravens drafted under him: nothing flashy, not a ton of “sexy picks,” just filling needs with physical, reliable talent.
Draft Picks
Pick 5: LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State Buckeyes
Pick 10: T Francis Mauigoa, Miami (FL) Hurricanes
Pick 37: CB Colton Hood, Tennessee Volunteers
Pick 74: WR Malachi Fields, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Pick 186: DI Bobby Jamison-Travis, Auburn Tigers
Pick 192: T J.C. Davis, Illinois Fighting Illini
Pick 193: LB Jack Kelly, BYU Cougars
Reese
Ranked No. 1 on the Giants’ non-QB board, they went and got their guy. Reese is a physical player who may not have a ton of experience as a traditional edge rusher, but he can still impact the quarterback even if it’s from an off-ball role.
With this being the second straight year the Giants have used an early pick on a pass rusher, the expectation is that Reese brings versatility to their pass-rush packages with his explosiveness.
Mauigoa
A very Harbaugh pick. The priority is clear: protect Jaxson Dart and open lanes for Cam Skattebo.
Mauigoa is a powerful run blocker who should make an immediate impact on an offensive line that has been trying to get it together for over a decade. The criticism here is not really about Mauigoa; it is about Caleb Downs still being on the board. Watching him end up in Dallas only adds to that frustration.
Hood
This is where the Giants bounce back after passing on Downs. Getting Colton Hood at 37 is tremendous value. He easily could’ve gone in the first round.
Another physical player with high upside. He may not rack up interceptions, but he also doesn’t give up many completions. If the Giants can develop him, this pick pays off big.
Fields
You can question what the Giants gave up to get Fields. That’s fair. But they finally got the big-bodied receiver they’ve been missing since the Plaxico Burress days.
“Manning, lobs it… Burress… end zone…” and you all know the rest.
As for the current wide receiver room? Outside of Malik Nabers, who is progressing but may not be ready Week 1, it still leaves a lot to be desired. OBJ reunion, anyone?
Jamison-Travis
After the Dexter Lawrence trade, it was clear the Giants needed to address defensive tackle. Many expected Kayden McDonald, but Houston jumped them. ESPN scouting reports note that Jamison-Travis “stays light on his feet in pursuit, but his strength lies between the tackles.” That fits exactly with what Harbaugh wants. Physical players who can handle the trenches.
Davis
Offensive line depth has been a problem for years, and it’s clear Harbaugh knows it. Davis is a gritty, versatile player who could be part of a long-term fix up front.
Kelly
At 6’2”, 240 pounds, Kelly is another physical addition. He’s been productive as a pass rusher, with a 22.2 percent pressure rate, five sacks in his first season at BYU, and ten in his second. He brings value as a rotational edge piece and potentially on special teams, which has also been an issue for this team.
Overall Grade: B+
Giants fans should feel good about the talent brought in during the 2026 draft. While time will ultimately determine how this class performs, this was a solid haul.
If there’s a concern, it is that they may have leaned a bit too heavily into “project” players, but that comes down to coaching.
And if you have not noticed the theme yet: Big Blue is building a roster full of big, physical players who can either contribute immediately or add depth where it’s been lacking.
How very AFC North of them.
