The topic of this week's Cover 3 is which position the Giants didn't draft and what that tells us about the state of the roster.
John Schmeelk: I like the question, but I think the answers can be a bit misleading simply because not every need can be filled in a seven-player draft class. The Giants might have really wanted to add a defensive tackle, but if none were available matching the value of their draft slots on the first two days, is it fair to really extrapolate any larger philosophy or plan out of it? I'm not sure.
With that said, I'm willing to go on the record about a couple different things. The Giants really like their tight end room and believe they have the players to fill every role you require from the position. This was an extremely deep tight end class with multiple players available that profile as either a blocker, receiver, or both at the NFL level. The fact the Giants did not use one pick on a tight end when 21 were selected does likely signal the Giants think Isaiah Likely, Theo Johnson, Chris Manhertz, Thomas Fidone II, and Patrick Ricard can carry the load.
I'll also point to safety. Nineteen of them were taken in the draft, but the Giants didn't select any. Safeties are often good special teams players too, which makes passing on one indicative that the Giants think they can start the season with confidence in the room consisting of that Jevón Holland, Tyler Nubin, Ar'Darius Washington, and Jason Pinnock.
I also thought about including running back here. Even though I do believe they like the room, the class was so shallow (only 13 drafted and two in Rounds 1-3) I hesitate to make any flash judgments about it.
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)
Dan Salomone: They didn't draft a quarterback … because they didn't need one. And that fact largely impacted the entire offseason, including free agency.
It's amazing what happens in a football calendar year. At this time in 2025, the Giants added Jaxson Dart to a room that included free-agent signees Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, in addition to Tommy DeVito. It was a major question if Dart would even play a snap as a rookie, let alone set multiple team and league records.
That freed up Joe Schoen for his fifth draft as general manager and coach John Harabugh for his first with the Giants. The new era was able to proceed free from the gravity of a quarterback search.
That's how you end up with Arvell Reese and Francis Mauigoa, two players who weren't forced up draft boards because of need. The Giants were able to focus on the tried-and-true approach of "just draft good football players" and let the chips fall where they may – instead of pushing them all in the middle for a quarterback.
Matt Citak: Since the day he took over as head coach of the Giants, John Harbaugh has emphasized two aspects of the game that he wants his teams to succeed in – running the football and stopping the run. The Giants added players during the draft in both of these areas, especially with their first-round selections of linebacker Arvell Reese and offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa. These additions continued a trend that started in free agency of adding big, physical players that will play more bully ball. But one area of the roster that was not touched during free agency or the draft, despite plenty of outside noise, was the running back room.
The Giants used Day 3 picks on running backs in back-to-back drafts in 2024 and 2025, first taking Tyrone Tracy Jr. in the fifth round before selecting Cam Skattebo in the fourth round of last year's draft. Both of these running backs showed a lot of promise during the starts of their respective NFL careers. Tracy topped 1,000 total yards of offense in each of his first two seasons, while Skattebo scored seven total touchdowns in just eight games this past season. In addition to the two young backs, Devin Singletary is still adding a veteran presence to the room, while Eric Gray and Dante Miller round it out. When speaking to the media the week before the draft, general manager Joe Schoen talked about how he liked the group of backs they already had.
"We like our running back room now," Schoen said back on April 14. "Skatt had a really good rookie year; Tyrone Tracy has been a 1,000 yard all purpose guy the last two years; Devin (Singletary) is back; Turbo (Dante Miller), Eric Gray coming off the injuries. We'll see what happens on draft night. But like the room the way it's constructed right now."
As we saw in his limited action last season, Skattebo brings a physical presence to the run game that the Giants haven't really seen since the days of Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw. Despite measuring in at under 6 feet, the young back ran over bigger defenders on a weekly basis. Skattebo's running style fits perfectly with what Harbaugh wants to do on offense, and the combination of him and fullback Pat Ricard should cause nightmares for opposing defenders trying to stop the Giants' run game. That RB-FB combo could be the pair of players I am most excited to see face off against another team once preseason games begin.
View photos of the New York Giants' 2026 roster as it currently stands.
CB Paulson Adebo
DL Darius Alexander
QB Brandon Allen
WR Calvin Austin III
CB Deonte Banks
LB Zaire Barnes
CB Jarrick Bernard-Converse
CB Korie Black
LB Swayze Bozeman
S Beau Brade
OLB Brian Burns
WR Dalen Cambre
DB Elijah Campbell
OLB Abdul Carter
DL Elijah Chatman
WR Beaux Collins
TE Tanner Conner
QB Jaxson Dart
OL J.C. Davis
LB Tremaine Edmunds
OL Jermaine Eluemunor
OL Joshua Ezeudu
OL Daniel Faalele
TE Thomas Fidone II
WR Malachi Fields
OLB Trace Ford
DL Leki Fotu
WR Xavier Gipson
DL Chauncey Golston
RB Eric Gray
CB Art Green
DL Shelby Harris
WR Isaiah Hodgins
S Jevón Holland
OL Reid Holskey
CB Colton Hood
OL Bryan Hudson
WR Jalin Hyatt
WR Courtney Jackson
DL Bobby Jamison-Travis
TE Theo Johnson
LB Cam Jones
CB Nic Jones
LB Jack Kelly
OL Jake Kubas
S Raheem Layne
TE Isaiah Likely
TE Chris Manhertz
OL Francis Mauigoa
OL Marcus Mbow
ILB Micah McFadden
RB Dante Miller
WR Ryan Miller
WR Darnell Mooney
ILB Darius Muasau
OLB Caleb Murphy
WR Malik Nabers
OL Evan Neal
CB Greg Newsome II
S Tyler Nubin
WR Gunner Olszewski
OL Lucas Patrick
CB Rico Payton
CB Dru Phillips
S Jason Pinnock
LB Arvell Reese
FB Patrick Ricard
DL Sam Roberts
DT Roy Robertson-Harris
G Jon Runyan
K Jason Sanders
K Ben Sauls
C John Michael Schmitz Jr.
RB Devin Singletary
RB Cam Skattebo
WR Darius Slayton
G Aaron Stinnie
P Jordan Stout
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux
T Andrew Thomas
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr.
LS Zach Triner
DL Marlon Tuipulotu
S Ar'Darius Washington
QB Jameis Winston
