The New York Giants have officially wrapped up their first NFL draft with head coach John Harbaugh at the helm, and the grades are in. So, how did Harbaugh do with his picks in the 2026 event?
Harbaugh went into this draft with a chip on his shoulder. After parting ways with the Baltimore Ravens, he has something to prove, even though his successful track record as a head coach in the league really says it all. During his 18 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens from 2008 to 2025, he notched 193 total wins, including the important playoffs, according to research from Pro Football Reference. Harbaugh also, of course, led the Ravens to a Super Bowl XLVII victory.
But, let’s look to the future. The grades are in, and here’s what people are saying about Harbaugh’s first draft class with the New York Giants.
John Harbaugh Gets Graded for His 2026 NFL Draft Picks for the New York Giants
Now that the 2026 NFL draft has wrapped up, NFL analysts and experts are digging into their thoughts on the event and decisions that these 32 teams made. Lucky for the New York Giants, Harbaugh is getting rave reviews, for the most part.
Nate Tice and Charles McDonald of Yahoo Sports give Harbaugh and the Giants an “A” grade for their draft choices. It doesn’t get better than that.
“What a weekend for Big Blue,” they state in the feature. “Arvell Reese, my top non-quarterback in this year’s class, was there for the picking at No. 5. And the Giants ended up solidifying their offensive line with Francis Mauigoa, who will start at right guard before potentially becoming their long-term option at right tackle.”
They also dub wide receiver Malachi Fields out of Notre Dame the most interesting pick for the team and a move that adds more depth to their wide receiver roster to surround Malik Nabers. They note, “Fields is a big athlete who can win on the ball and also kick inside as a power slot willing to do the dirty work as a blocker.”
Over at the NFL’s official website, draft analyst Chad Reuter gives Harbaugh and the Giants an overall “B+.” We’ll take it.
“The Giants received a gift with Reese falling into their lap at No. 5; he’ll be an excellent pass rusher and run defender, whether he’s lined up in the box or on the edge,” he notes in the piece. “Trading Dexter Lawrence to the Bengals netted New York the 10th overall pick, which the team used to select Mauigoa, an intense, powerful blocker who could play guard or tackle.”
More Solid Grades for John Harbaugh and the New York Giants
Pete Prisco of CBS Sports also likes the Giants’ class and gives it a “B+.” In the piece, he notes, “Landing corner Colton Hood in the second round will prove to be a nice move. They’ve had some issues taking corners in recent years, but this won’t be one of them. He’s a good player.”
He also makes the good point that “landing linebacker Arvell Reese and guard Francis Mauigoa in the first round gives them two immediate starters, and I think Hood will make it three.”
So, Harbaugh and the New York Giants are getting solid grades for their lineup heading out of the 2026 NFL draft. This team is in need of a makeover, and having fresh, rookie starters will go a long way when September rolls around.
Giants’ John Harbaugh Graded for NFL Draft — Here’s His Report Card