The New York Giants had what they had to do at the top of the 2026 NFL Draft. With linebacker/edge defender hybrid Arvell Reese and offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa now in the mix, it’s easy to foresee a draft class with a huge impact on the future of the franchise.

There were some good moves later, some not so good ones, but the top of the class is what stands out due to the circumstances — especially after trading Dexter Lawrence for the 10th overall pick.

First round, Pick 5: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State

The New York Giants might have gotten the best defensive player in the entire class with the fifth overall pick in the NFL Draft. The team took full advantage of the Arizona Cardinals taking running back Jeremiyah Love and the Tennessee Titans surprising in selecting wide receiver Carnell Tate, then selected Ohio State hybrid defensive piece Arvell Reese. It’s the first pick in the John Harbaugh era, and it couldn’t have been much better for the future of the franchise.

Grade: A

First round, Pick 10: Francis Mauigoa, T, Miami

The New York Giants are leaning on John Harbaugh’s brand of physical, old school football. After selecting a defensive upfront piece in Arvell Reese, the Giants refused to trade down and drafted Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa with the 10th overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. Prioritizing volume of picks would have been smart, but you can’t blame the front office for trying to find a great solution upfront.

Grade: B

Second round, Pick 37: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

The Giants got another player from a premium position and with a high upside. That’s highly important for a rebuilding process. Hood has the potential to play man coverage and to impact the game early on.

Grade: A-

Third round, Pick 74: Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame

Malachi Fields per se is a good prospect, a big-bodied receiver who can help Jaxson Dart to improve. However, the trade up was probably too expensive. The Giants gave up a fourth-, a fifth, and a future fourth-rounder to get back in the third and select Fields, and that’s always a risky proposition.

Grade: C

Sixth round, Pick 186: Bobby Jamison-Travis, DT, Auburn

It’s a step to replace Dexter Lawrence, traded to the Cincinnati Bengals for the 10th overall pick. Jamison-Travis is a large human being, but he still has a long road ahead to develop as an interior defensive lineman. He was usually perceived as a UDFA-level prospect, so it was somewhat a reach for New York.

Grade: C

Sixth round, Pick 192: J.C. Davis, T, Illinois

Davis was a four-year starter at left tackle — two seasons at New Mexico and the past two at Illinois. He is a strong blocker but is also fluid, even though he can improve his hand usage. At this point in the draft, it’s an excellent value at a premium position.

Grade: A-

Sixth round, Pick 193: Jack Kelly, LB, BYU

This pick makes sense because it offers the Giants more depth at off-ball linebacker. That might not be a huge need now, but if Arvell Reese moves to a full-time edge role eventually, Kelly’s job will become more important. He’s an explosive and instinctive player, despite some coverage issues.

Grade: B