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Fact or Fiction: OTA midway point check-in

May 29, 2026 at 11:00 AM

by John Schmeelk, Dan Salomone & Matt Citak

The Giants.com crew is presented with four statements and must decide whether they are Fact or Fiction.

OL Francis "Sisi" Mauigoa is the offensive player you're most interested to see once the Giants put on the pads.

John Schmeelk: Fact – This is the default answer. I don't know who else it could be. I have already seen enough of rookie wide receiver Malachi Fields during OTAs, but I have no feel for Mauigoa yet due to the nature of spring practices. Once pads come on and contact is allowed, we will see how well he is able to move people. I look forward to seeing him practice against DJ Reader in the run game. Will he be able to move an established NFL veteran off the line of scrimmage? In pass protection I want to see him line up against Darius Alexander, the Giants' defensive tackle with the most pass rush potential and athleticism.

Dan Salomone: Fiction – It has been years since the Giants had a true fullback, but John Harbaugh changed that when he brought over six-time Pro Bowler Patrick Ricard from Baltimore. While we have seen him sprinkled in at OTAs, his presence won't be fully felt until the pads come on. And you can be certain it will be felt. There are going to be some heavy collisions with the fullback and a massively upgraded linebacker corps. But don't take my word for it. Super Bowl champion Henry Hynoski was on a group chat with other fullback legends when news broke of Ricard's signing.

"I'm just super pumped from a football perspective," Hynoski said at the time. "We kind of got away from what our identity was as New York Giants football. If you look at the success that we've had, long-term team success, there was a fullback on the field on the teams that had success and which ultimately won Super Bowl victories. It's good to see that we're getting back to what our brand of football is, and I know this kid here is an absolute hammer and he's going to be paving the way."

Matt Citak: Fact – While we have gotten a nice look at the quarterbacks and skill position players on offense thus far this spring, it's been hard to glean much about the big guys up front. Once the pads come on and contact is allowed at training camp, that will change. Mauigoa is the lone newcomer to the offensive line as the remaining four starters from last year are all set to return. The rookie could help take the unit to another level, and that quest does not truly begin until the team hits the practice field in West Virginia.

LB Arvell Reese is the defensive player you're most interested to see once they put on the pads.

John Schmeelk: Fact – Arvell Reese has successfully teased me with some of his movement skills in spring practice to have me even more excited about what he may look like when contact is allowed during padded practices. His acceleration and burst on some of the called blitzes has been otherworldly. You can see the force he is bringing at his size, and I can't wait to see what it looks – and sounds – like when an offensive lineman or running back tries to pick him up when he is going full speed to the quarterback.

Dan Salomone: Fact – No disagreement here. Just as impressive as his size has been his knack for being in the right spot at the right time. You can't make the hit unless you know where the ball is going, and it will be fun to watch him do both this summer.

Matt Citak: Fact – Unlike the guys in the trenches, Reese has already been able to show off his skillset during team drills this spring. The No. 5 overall pick has been all over the field as he's displayed a little bit of everything. From his strong coverage down field to his high football IQ and his ability to blitz off the edge, Reese has been everything as advertised so far. But it's one thing to perform well when there is no contact. Reese will be put to the test once things get kicked up a notch with the pads coming on and contact being allowed. Additionally, the rookie linebacker already appears massive every time he steps onto the field. Throw some pads on as well and he might just look like the biggest guy out there.

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New York Giants linebacker Arvell Reese (52) poses for a portrait during the NFLPA Rookie Premiere on Saturday, May 16, 2026 in Los Angeles. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)