With the Giants’ first pick, Coach Harbaugh will look to strengthen a defense that ranked 26th in PPG allowed. Last year, the Giants selected Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter with the third overall pick. The Nittany Lion superstar was viewed as a generational talent. Unfortunately, Carter did not hit the scene the way the Giants had hoped, and while he looks to improve for the 2026 season, New York still needs a lot of help on defense.

Arvell Reese is arguably the best player in this year’s NFL Draft. NFL.com has him graded as a “Pro Bowl talent” before he has even taken his first snap in professional football. Running a 4.46 40-yard dash, Reese is fast. At Ohio State, he spent time as both a middle linebacker and an edge rusher. As an elite athlete, Reese can be used in a variety of ways, making him a defensive coordinator’s dream. His speed, paired with his relentless pursuit, make him effective blitzing off the edge, dropping into zone coverage, or chasing down ball carriers.

Defense still wins championships, and Reese can have an immediate impact for the Giants. If Carter can regain his collegiate form, the two young defenders can create the league’s most dangerous pass-rushing duo. Additionally, Reese gives Harbaugh flexibility, using him in multiple packages and moving him all over the field. The Giants have a lot of needs, but they can’t go wrong with taking the best player on the board.