The John Harbaugh era was supposed to bring smart and mature people into the New York Giants organization.
If the 2026 NFL Draft is any indication, the Giants are well on their way to better days, according to The Athletic’s draft experts.
The Giants got two home-run grades for their first-rounds selections, Ohio State EDGE/outside linebacker Arvell Reese and Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa, by Nick Baumgardner and Scott Dochterman.
Reese fell to the Giants with the No. 5 pick, and they chose Mauigoa with the No. 10 pick, which they got from the Cincinnati Bengals in their trade for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence.
The Athletic Gave the Giants an A+ for Taking Arvell Reese at No. 5
Reese has been projected to go as high as No. 2 to the New York Jets for weeks. Yet, when they went with Texas Tech EDGE David Bailey, the path for Reese to land with the Giants opened up.
Dochterman explained what the Giants are getting and why he earned that grade.
“The Giants likely can’t believe their luck,” Dochterman wrote. “Reese has the most upside of any defensive player in this class, and he’s versatile and explosive. When you combine him with Brian Burns, Abdul Carter and perhaps Kayvon Thibodeaux, the Giants now have a ferocious pass rush, and, as we saw a generation ago, that recipe makes Super Bowl jambalaya.”
Reese is just 20 years old and had 6.5 sacks and 69 tackles, with in his junior season at Ohio State. Still, the 6-4, 241-pound outside linebacker is still drawing major game-wrecking comps.
“Reese conjures up comparisons with former Penn State (and current Green Bay Packers) pass rusher Micah Parsons — and rightly so,” Dochterman wrote. “Both were lethal pass-rushing linebackers in college and projected as edge defenders in the NFL.”
The Giants got an ‘A’ Grade for Selecting Francis Mauigoa at No. 10
It’s been said you win up front, so choosing the 6-5, 329-pound potential plug-and-play Mauigoa, who expects to start his career at guard before potentially moving to tackle, fits the bill.
“I cannot argue with this pick — especially considering that Mauigoa might be moving inside to play guard on an offensive line that already features young talent,” Baumgardner wrote. “Mauigoa is a terrific run blocker. He was the heart of Miami’s offense and is as reliable as it gets up front.”
The Giants needed to both get after opposing passers, since they only had 39 sacks in 2025, but also protect franchise quarterback Jaxson Dart. The Giants already stand to improve their D-line with Reese — plus if they add a defensive tackle with either of their Day 2 picks.
But Mauigoa at right guard could potentially play next to right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor who the Giants re-signed for three years. With All-Pro Andrew Thomas patrolling the left side, the Giants could have a dominant O-line.
“This has been a terrific start to the draft for the Giants,” Baumgardner wrote. “Reese at No. 5 was outstanding value, and there were some in the NFL who considered Mauigoa this draft’s top offensive lineman. Whether he’s a guard early or long-term tackle, Mauigoa will be a factor.”
Experts Agree Giants Hit Home Run With First Two Draft Picks Thursday