Giants Make Bold Statement With Two Top-Ten Draft Picks

Clear Facts

• New York Giants selected Ohio State edge rusher Arvell Reese with the fifth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft
• Giants chose Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa at No. 10, acquired from trading All-Pro Dexter Lawrence to Cincinnati
• Head coach John Harbaugh may convert Reese to inside linebacker, while Mauigoa is expected to move to guard

The New York Giants entered the 2026 NFL Draft with two selections in the top 10, and new head coach John Harbaugh made it clear his priority is building the trenches on both sides of the ball.

With the fifth overall pick, the Giants selected Ohio State star edge rusher Arvell Reese, who some analysts projected to go as high as second overall. The selection marks the third time since 2022 that New York has used a first-round pick on an edge rusher.

At No. 10, the Giants had an opportunity to grab another Buckeyes defensive standout when safety Caleb Downs remained available. Instead, they opted to protect their future franchise quarterback Jaxson Dart by selecting Miami tackle Francis Mauigoa.

The 6-foot-5, 329-pound Mauigoa earned first-team All-American honors this past season, starting all 16 games at right tackle for a Miami team that reached the national championship game. While he excelled at tackle in college, the Giants plan to move him inside to guard.

The No. 10 pick came to New York as part of last week’s trade that sent All-Pro defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals, fulfilling his trade request during a contract dispute.

Reese’s selection raised questions about positional fit, given the Giants already employ edge rushers Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Abdul Carter, last year’s No. 3 overall pick. Giants receiver Malik Nabers, appearing on a draft broadcast alongside Green Bay Packers edge rusher Micah Parsons, openly wondered where Reese would play.

Harbaugh hinted that Reese may convert to inside linebacker, an area of significant need for the Giants’ defense. If that’s the plan, Reese’s exceptional athleticism, showcased throughout his Ohio State career, will face its ultimate test at the NFL level.

Some mock drafts projected Reese to go second overall to the New York Jets, but the Jets selected David Bailey from Texas Tech instead. The Arizona Cardinals then chose running back Jeremiyah Love, making him the highest-drafted back since the Giants took Saquon Barkley in 2018.

The Tennessee Titans selected wide receiver Carnell Tate, the first Buckeyes player off the board, before Reese fell into the Giants’ lap at No. 5.

One potential concern surrounding Mauigoa is a back issue that may require surgery at some point in his professional career. However, the Giants conducted their due diligence and appear comfortable with the risk.

Mauigoa already endeared himself to the Giants faithful during his draft interview.

“I’ll die for you, Jaxson Dart,” he said.

That type of commitment and energy is exactly what Harbaugh, Dart, and the organization want at such a critical position. The Giants have re-signed Jermaine Eluemunor, who excelled at right tackle in 2025, leaving question marks at guard that Mauigoa should help address.

With these selections, the Giants demonstrated their commitment to building a championship-caliber team through the trenches, protecting their young quarterback while creating opportunities for the pass rush to disrupt opposing offenses.

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