The Giants.com crew members pick one word to sum up the 2026 draft class and explain why.
John Schmeelk: Vision. Not many people love the draft as much as I do. So much work goes into finding the right players that are going to be the future of the franchise. But the irony of the exercise remains that whatever player each team winds up with is ultimately out of their control. It can be argued that the most important things that happened on Thursday night were whom the Raiders, Jets, Cardinals and Titans picked with the first four selections and whom the Chiefs, Saints and Browns picked at Nos. 7-9.
Obviously, it is dependent for the Giants organization to stack the players on their board the right way, but it probably wouldn't have been hard for most teams to select Arvell Reese at fifth overall or Francis Mauigoa at 10th overall. I do think these two specific selections highlight how important it is for the coaching staff and scouting staff to work together to confirm these players were the right ones to choose for the Giants' roster.
Francis Mauigoa is going to start his Giants career at a position he was not featured at in college. He was a tackle and will now play guard. To draft a player that is changing positions requires complete alignment between front office and coaching staff.
Arvell Reese will not change positions since he played off-ball linebacker at Ohio State, but many in the scouting community did view him as an edge. There needed to be a singular vision to see his fit at off-ball linebacker with the coaches and the front office for the pick to make sense.
Ironically, if you watched any of our draft content the past three months, none of this should have been a surprise as we have spoken about how both those players might indeed fit best in EXACTLY the type of roles the Giants will put them in to start their career. They were not only two of the top players in the draft, but they also fit big needs for the Giants on both sides of the ball. Protecting Jaxson Dart should always be the highest priority on offense, while stopping the run has been a goal this entire offseason. The Giants checked both boxes Thursday night.
The Giants' 2026 draft picks have arrived at their new home.
Dan Salomone: Inaugural. Maybe it's just me, but I still haven't fully processed that John Harbaugh will be patrolling the sidelines as head coach of the New York Football Giants when they kick the ball off in September. As we hit each checkpoint, though, we get closer to that reality. The draft was another one of them.
Hours before the Giants made two top-10 picks in the same draft for just the second time in franchise history, Harbaugh had just wrapped up the third and final practice of veterans minicamp, a bonus allotted to teams with new head coaches. And there he was with his navy hoodie and white Giants hat. It was the first time we got to see him lead a practice, which he has done personally thousands of times but not with the Giants.
In due time, the seven draft picks and a slew of undrafted free agents will be thrown into the mix with that veteran group. Then the Harbaugh experience will fully begin.
Draft classes are the roots of coaching eras. They may not sprout for a year or two, but they will ultimately come to determine success. That makes Arvell Reese the first seed.
"I think that says a lot about me," Reese said. "I won't say it proves my point because I haven't done anything at this level yet, but I think I've got some shoes to fill. I think I'm ready for the challenge."
View photos of the collegiate careers of every member of the New York Giants' 2026 Draft Class.
Round 1, Pick 5 - Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
Round 1, Pick 10 - Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami
Round 2, Pick 37 - Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
Round 3, Pick 74 - Malachi FIelds, WR, Notre Dame
Round 6, Pick No. 186 - Bobby Jamison-Travis, DL, Auburn
Round 6, Pick No. 192 - J.C. Davis, OL, Illinois
Round 6, Pick No. 193 - Jack Kelly, LB, BYU
Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese plays against Rutgers during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State's Arvell Reese sacks Wisconsin's Hunter Simmons during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese plays against Minnesota during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese plays against Grambling State during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Washington running back Jonah Coleman (1) is tackled by Ohio State defensive end Caden Curry (92) and Arvell Reese (8) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese plays against Ohio State during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese plays against Rutgers during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese (8) looks on during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Melissa Tamez)
Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese, top, sacks Penn State quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese plays against Rutgers during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese plays against Penn State during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese drops back to defend against Miami during the first half of the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff quarterfinal game Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson)
Miami offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa (61) blocks Louisville defensive lineman Clev Lubin (50) during an NCAA football game on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Doug Murray)
Miami offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa (61) blocks against North Carolina linebacker Kaimon Rucker (25) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in Chapel Hill, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Seward)
Miami offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa (61) protects the pocket during an NCAA football game on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025 in Miami. (AP Photo/Peter Joneleit)
Miami Hurricanes offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa (61) protects the pocket during an NCAA football game on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025 in Miami. (AP Photo/Peter Joneleit)
Miami offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa (61) prepares to block Louisville defensive lineman Justin Beadles (19) during an NCAA football game on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Doug Murray)
Miami offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa (61) prepares for the snap of the ball at the line of scrimmage during an NCAA football game against Louisville on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Doug Murray)
Miami offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa (61) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Syracuse Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
Miami offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa lines up for a play during the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff quarterfinal game between Ohio State and Miami Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Miami offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa (61) during the Fiesta Bowl NCAA college football playoff semifinal game against Mississippi, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Miami offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa (61) blocks Ohio State defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. (97) during the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff quarterfinal game between Ohio State and Miami Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
KNOXVILLE, TN - November 29, 2025 - Defensive back Colton Hood #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the game between the Vanderbilt Commodores and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kyndall Williams/Tennessee Athletics
TUSCALOOSA, AL - October 18, 2025 - Defensive back Colton Hood #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Tennessee Volunteers at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, AL. Photo By Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - November 15, 2025 - Defensive back Colton Hood #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the game between the New Mexico State Aggies and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics
GAINESVILLE, FL - November 22, 2025 - Defensive back Colton Hood #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the game between the Florida Gators and the Tennessee Volunteers at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - November 15, 2025 - Defensive back Colton Hood #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the game between the New Mexico State Aggies and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Elliot Walker/Tennessee Athletics
TUSCALOOSA, AL - October 18, 2025 - Defensive back Colton Hood #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Tennessee Volunteers at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, AL. Photo By Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics
TUSCALOOSA, AL - October 18, 2025 - Defensive back Colton Hood #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Tennessee Volunteers at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, AL. Photo By Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - October 11, 2025 - Defensive back Colton Hood #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the game between the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics
STARKVILLE, MS - September 27, 2025 - Defensive back Colton Hood #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the game between the Mississippi State Bulldogs and the Tennessee Volunteers at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, MS. Photo By Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics
ATLANTA, GA - August 30, 2025 - Defensive back Colton Hood #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the Aflac Kickoff game between the Syracuse Orange and the Tennessee Volunteers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - October 11, 2025 - Defensive back Colton Hood #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the game between the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics
ATLANTA, GA - August 30, 2025 - Defensive back Colton Hood #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the Aflac Kickoff game between the Syracuse Orange and the Tennessee Volunteers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - September 13, 2025 - Defensive back Colton Hood #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers before the game between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
STARKVILLE, MS - September 27, 2025 - Defensive back Colton Hood #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the game between the Mississippi State Bulldogs and the Tennessee Volunteers at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, MS. Photo By Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics
STARKVILLE, MS - September 27, 2025 - Defensive back Colton Hood #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the game between the Mississippi State Bulldogs and the Tennessee Volunteers at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, MS. Photo By Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - September 13, 2025 - Defensive back Colton Hood #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the game between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics
Notre Dame wide receiver Malachi Fields (0) makes a catch for a touchdown with Pittsburgh defensive back Shawn Lee Jr. (28) defending during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Pittsburgh Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Notre Dame wide receiver Malachi Fields (0) hauls in a pass from quarterback CJ Carr with Pittsburgh defensive back Rashad Battle (15) defending during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Pittsburgh Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Notre Dame wide receiver Malachi Fields (0) makes a catch for a touchdown over Pittsburgh defensive back Shawn Lee Jr. (28) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Notre Dame wide receiver Malachi Fields (0) hauls in a pass from quarterback CJ Carr as Pittsburgh defensive back Rashad Battle (15) defending during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Pittsburgh, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Notre Dame wide receiver Malachi Fields (0) celebrates after scoring on a pass from quarterback CJ Carr during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Pittsburgh, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Malachi Fields (0) makes a tough catch during an NCAA football game on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025 in Miami. (AP Photo/Peter Joneleit)
Notre Dame wide receiver Malachi Fields celebrates while doing a back flip in the end zone after scoring a touchdown on a 66-yard pass during the first quarter of an NCAA football game against Purdue, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
Notre Dame wide receiver Malachi Fields (0) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Boston College, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Boston. (AP Photo/Mark Stockwell)
Notre Dame wide receiver Malachi Fields (0) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass during the third quarter of an NCAA college football game against Boise State, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
American Team wide receiver Malachi Fields (0), of Notre Dame, runs through drills during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Notre Dame wide receiver Malachi Fields (0) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass during the third quarter of an NCAA college football game against Boise State, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
Notre Dame wide receiver Malachi Fields (0) stumbles over Boston College defensive back Carter Davis (7) while running for a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Mark Stockwell)
Notre Dame wide receiver Malachi Fields (0) makes a catch for a touchdown with Pittsburgh defensive back Shawn Lee Jr. (28) defending during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Pittsburgh Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Notre Dame wide receiver Malachi Fields celebrates by doing a back flip in the end zone after scoring a touchdown on a 66-yard pass during the first quarter of an NCAA football game against Purdue, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
Notre Dame wide receiver Malachi Fields (0) catches a 66 yard touchdown pass against Purdue's Tony Grimes (0) during the first quarter of an NCAA football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
American Team wide receiver Malachi Fields (0), of Notre Dame, runs through drills during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Notre Dame wide receiver Malachi Fields (0) celebrates with coaches and players after catching a 66 yard touchdown pass during the first quarter of an NCAA football game against Purdue, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
Notre Dame wide receiver Malachi Fields (0) dives forward for extra yards against Arkansas during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Notre Dame wide receiver Malachi Fields, center, runs as Miami defensive back Keionte Scott (0) and defensive back Xavier Lucas (6) defend during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Notre Dame wide receiver Malachi Fields catches a 66 yard touchdown pass during the first quarter of an NCAA football game against Purdue, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
Auburn defensive lineman Bobby Jamison-Travis (17) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Auburn defensive lineman Bobby Jamison-Travis (17) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Auburn defensive lineman Bobby Jamison-Travis (17) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Auburn defensive lineman Bobby Jamison-Travis (17) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Illinois offensive lineman J.C. Davis (74) blocks against South Carolina edge Dylan Stewart (6) during the second half of the Citrus Bowl NCAA college football game, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - October 4, 2025 - Offensive Lineman J.C. Davis (#74) during the game between the Purdue Boilermakers and the Illinois Fighting Illini at Ross–Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, IN. Photo by Pat Pierson/Fighting Illini
Illinois offensive lineman Josh Gesky (73) and offensive lineman J.C. Davis (74) set up to block against South Carolina during the second half of the Citrus Bowl NCAA college football game, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - October 4, 2025 - Offensive Lineman J.C. Davis (#74) during the game between the Purdue Boilermakers and the Illinois Fighting Illini at Ross–Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind. Photo by Aaron Quinn/Fighting Illini
Illinois offensive lineman J.C. Davis (74) blocks against South Carolina edge Dylan Stewart (6) during the second half of the Citrus Bowl NCAA college football game, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
CHICAGO, IL - November 30, 2024 - Photos taken during the game between the Northwestern Wildcats and the Illinois Fighting Illini at Wrigley Field in Chicago,IL. (Photo By Quinten Truitt/Illinois Athletics)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - November 16, 2024 - Photos taken during the game between the Michigan State Spartans and the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium in Champaign,IL. (Photo By Aaron Quinn/Illinois Athletics)
PISCATAWAY, NJ - November 23, 2024 - Photos taken during the game between the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and the Illinois Fighting Illini at SHI Stadium in Piscataway,NJ. (Photo By Patrick Pierson/Illinois Athletics)
Illinois running back Ca'Lil Valentine (5) celebrates a touchdown with offensive lineman J.C. Davis (74) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Western Michigan Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Craig Pessman)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - November 16, 2024 - Photos taken during the game between the Michigan State Spartans and the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium in Champaign,IL. (Photo By Patrick Pierson/Illinois Athletics)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - November 16, 2024 - Photos taken during the game between the Michigan State Spartans and the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium in Champaign,IL. (Photo By Aaron Quinn/Illinois Athletics)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - November 16, 2024 - Photos taken during the game between the Michigan State Spartans and the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium in Champaign,IL. (Photo By Patrick Pierson/Illinois Athletics)
CHICAGO, IL - November 30, 2024 - Photos taken during the game between the Northwestern Wildcats and the Illinois Fighting Illini at Wrigley Field in Chicago,IL. (Photo By Quinten Truitt/Illinois Athletics)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - October 12, 2024 - Photos taken during the game between the Purdue Boilermakers and the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium in Champaign,IL. (Photo By Patrick Pierson/Illinois Athletics)
BYU linebacker Jack Kelly (17) looks on during the Big 12 Conference championship NCAA college football game between Texas Tech and BYU Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Brigham Young linebacker Jack Kelly, left, tackles Colorado wide receiver Dre'lon Miller in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
BYU linebacker Jack Kelly (17) tackles West Virginia running back Diore Hubbard (20) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, in Provo, Utah. (AP Photo/Tyler Tate)
BYU linebacker Jack Kelly (17) gestures to the crowd during the second half of an NCAA college football game against TCU, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in Provo, Utah. (AP Photo/George Frey)
BYU linebacker Jack Kelly tackles Stanford running back Micah Ford at the goal line during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday Sept. 6, 2025, in Provo, Utah. (AP Photo/Jeffrey D. Allred)
BYU linebacker Jack Kelly (17) roams the field during the second half of an NCAA college football game, against Utah Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Provo, Utah. (AP Photo/George Frey)
BYU linebacker Jack Kelly (17) gestures during the second half of an NCAA college football game, against Utah Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Provo, Utah. (AP Photo/George Frey)
From left, BYU linebacker Jack Kelly (17), defensive lineman Tausili Akana (13), safety Faletau Satuala (11) and linebacker Siale Esera (54) celebrate as they run off the field after a turn over on downs during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Cincinnati, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
BYU linebacker Jack Kelly (17) looks on during the Big 12 Conference championship NCAA college football game between Texas Tech and BYU Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Stanford wide receiver Marcus Brown, left, is tackled in the end zone for a safety by Brigham Young safety Faletau Satuala, bottom, and linebacker Jack Kelly, right, during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Provo, Utah. (AP Photo/Tyler Tate)
Stanford quarterback Ben Gulbranson (15) fumbles the football as he is sacked by Brigham Young linebacker Jack Kelly (17) during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Provo, Utah. (AP Photo/Tyler Tate)
BYU linebacker Jack Kelly (17) calls out signal during the second half of an NCAA college football game against TCU, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in Provo, Utah. (AP Photo/George Frey)
BYU linebacker Jack Kelly (17) looks on during the Big 12 Conference championship NCAA college football game between Texas Tech and BYU Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Stanford quarterback Ben Gulbranson (15) fumbles the football as he is hit by Brigham Young linebacker Jack Kelly (17) during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Provo, Utah. (AP Photo/Tyler Tate)
Matt Citak: Physical. Since the start of free agency, it has been pretty clear that becoming more physical has been a priority. It started with the free agent additions, but it was really emphasized in this year's draft class. Physicality is a trait that all seven members of the draft class share. Starting with Arvell Reese, who told reporters on Friday that he would describe his game as fast and violent, and all the way through to the team's last selection, Jack Kelly, playing tough and physical is something each of these rookies have shown throughout their collegiate careers.
"Definitely a priority," coach John Harbaugh said. "It's important. You can be a Giant in different kinds of ways. You can be real fast, and that makes you a fast Giant, I guess. We want really good players. We want guys that fit how we want to play, and some of these guys, they really fit how we want to play.
"The fact that they're bigger players, longer, heavy-handed type guys is important, because especially in this division, you've got to play that way. Your interior offensive line has to be physical. Look at the defensive tackles in this league. Right down the road especially. [Defensive] line, the same way. We want to be able to handle the offensive lines that we have to play against up front. Of course, we talked about stopping the run right out of the gates, right? They have to be big and strong to do that. You have to be athletic. You've got to be able to move. All those things are part of it too. It's a big part of it."
Reese and Francis Mauigoa have gotten a lot of the attention, and rightfully so after they both went in the top 10. But let's not overlook the other members of the draft class. This is the first line on the scouting reports for Colton Hood and Malachi Fields on their respective prospect pages on NFL.com.
Hood: "Press-man bully with an ability to put his stamp on the first and last phases of the snap."
Fields: "Boundary "X" receiver who uses elite size and strength to bully defensive backs."
As you can see, NFL.com's Lance Zierlein uses the word "bully" to describe both guys. Sign me up for that. Perhaps most importantly, both Harbaugh and Joe Schoen made it clear that the team has a clear vision on how they plan on using each draft pick.
"Clear vision for all three of them to compete for roster spots and excited to get all three of these guys," Schoen said about the Day 3 picks.
Harbaugh added about the entire class, "To Joe's point, clear vision is probably a good way to say it because we have a clear understanding of how each of these guys fits in."
Step into the draft room as the Giants select Arvell Reese and Francis Mauigoa in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
SVP & General Manager Joe Schoen
Head Coach John Harbaugh and SVP & General Manager Joe Schoen
SVP & General Manager Joe Schoen
Head Coach John Harbaugh and SVP & General Manager Joe Schoen
Head Coach John Harbaugh and SVP & General Manager Joe Schoen
Head Coach John Harbaugh
Head Coach John Harbaugh and SVP & General Manager Joe Schoen
Head Coach John Harbaugh
Head Coach John Harbaugh and SVP & General Manager Joe Schoen
SVP & General Manager Joe Schoen
Head Coach John Harbaugh and SVP & General Manager Joe Schoen
Head Coach John Harbaugh and SVP & General Manager Joe Schoen
Head Coach John Harbaugh
Head Coach John Harbaugh
Head Coach John Harbaugh and SVP & General Manager Joe Schoen
Head Coach John Harbaugh
Head Coach John Harbaugh and SVP & General Manager Joe Schoen
Head Coach John Harbaugh
Head Coach John Harbaugh and SVP & General Manager Joe Schoen
Head Coach John Harbaugh
Head Coach John Harbaugh and SVP & General Manager Joe Schoen
Head Coach John Harbaugh and SVP & General Manager Joe Schoen
Head Coach John Harbaugh and SVP & General Manager Joe Schoen
Head Coach John Harbaugh and SVP & General Manager Joe Schoen
Head Coach John Harbaugh and SVP & General Manager Joe Schoen
SVP & General Manager Joe Schoen
Head Coach John Harbaugh and SVP & General Manager Joe Schoen
Head Coach John Harbaugh and SVP & General Manager Joe Schoen
Head Coach John Harbaugh
Head Coach John Harbaugh and SVP & General Manager Joe Schoen
Head Coach John Harbaugh and SVP & General Manager Joe Schoen
SVP & General Manager Joe Schoen
SVP & General Manager Joe Schoen
Head Coach John Harbaugh and SVP & General Manager Joe Schoen
Head Coach John Harbaugh and SVP & General Manager Joe Schoen
Head Coach John Harbaugh and SVP & General Manager Joe Schoen
Head Coach John Harbaugh
Head Coach John Harbaugh and SVP & General Manager Joe Schoen
Head Coach John Harbaugh and SVP & General Manager Joe Schoen
Head Coach John Harbaugh and SVP & General Manager Joe Schoen
Head Coach John Harbaugh
Head Coach John Harbaugh
Head Coach John Harbaugh
Head Coach John Harbaugh
Head Coach John Harbaugh and SVP & General Manager Joe Schoen
Head Coach John Harbaugh and SVP & General Manager Joe Schoen
Head Coach John Harbaugh and SVP & General Manager Joe Schoen
SVP & General Manager Joe Schoen
SVP & General Manager Joe Schoen
Head Coach John Harbaugh and SVP & General Manager Joe Schoen
