The John Harbaugh era has begun with excitement after the impressive New York Giants 2026 NFL draft. Despite a challenging four-win season, fans are energized, believing Big Blue has what it takes to rise from the bottom of the NFC East to the top. With Harbaugh’s arrival, Jaxson Dart’s continued growth, and a promising draft class, New York is ready to surprise everyone in 2026.
Entering the draft, the Giants focused on filling top offensive and defensive needs. Dart ignited enthusiasm with his performance, setting the stage for genuine playoff dreams. New York delivered, addressing key gaps and adding immediate-impact players, sparking hope that Big Blue can become the NFC East’s most exciting story.
Round 1, Pick No. 5 – Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
GRADE: A+
Harbaugh kicked off his Giants debut, taking arguably the best player in the draft, Arvell Reese. NFL.com rated him as a “Pro Bowl talent” right out of college. Throughout the pre-draft cycle, most mock drafts seemed to pair Reese and Big Blue. Despite the league creating offense-friendly rules, defenses still win championships, and coach Harbaugh is immediately making that a priority.
Reese has 4.46 speed paired with a versatility that will make him an immediate contributor. Whether he’s blitzing off the edge or dropping into coverage, he can do it all at an elite level. In a recent interview with Abdul Carter, Reese spoke to his willingness to play whatever role the coaching staff determines helps the team win games. His level of professionalism only adds to this being an elite pick. Pairing Reese with Carter gives the Giants a fast, aggressive front seven capable of wreaking havoc. If the secondary improves its play from last year, New York will field a much different defense in 2025.
Round 1, Pick No. 10 – Francis Mauigoa, Tackle, Miami
GRADE: A+
With their second pick inside the top ten, New York selected perhaps the best offensive lineman in the draft. Just a week before, New York made a huge trade, sending defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Bengals for the tenth overall pick in the draft, which was a bold decision, but one that paid off.
There is little to dislike about the Miami tackle. Maigoa has excellent size, coming in at 6’5″ and 329 pounds. Even with his massive frame, Maigoa’s athleticism and technique are exceptional. His footwork, hand placement, and natural feel for the pocket keep him from getting beaten by the speed of faster defenders. As a three-year starter, Mauigoa also demonstrated high football IQ, making him an immediate starter for the Giants’ front five. Keeping Dart healthy is paramount if the Giants want to make a run at the NFC East, and Mauigoa will play a pivotal role in making sure this is accomplished.
Round 2, Pick No. 37 – Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
GRADE: A+
Entering this year’s draft, it was obvious that a position of need was in the secondary after a rough showing in 2025. Colton Hood was projected to be a first-round pick, but once again, fortune seemed to be on the Giants’ side with him sliding into the second round. He brings strong coverage ability, physicality, and upside to develop into a solid CB1.
Hood plays with physicality, punching his hands out on the line, pressing receivers, and even stepping up to stop the run. His aggressiveness can also lead to some issues with holding and pass interference, but it is overshadowed by his strong play at the point of the catch. He excels at press coverage, specifically within 10 yards, and stays disciplined in zone coverage. When playing off the ball man coverage, there are some concerns with his ability to handle shiftier receivers, but he shows good instincts.
For the third pick in a row, the Giants landed a player who should be starting week 1. With the nasty pass rush being built, Hood helps in solidifying the backend of the defense.
Round 3, Pick No. 74 – Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame
GRADE: B+
The Giants added another weapon for Dart in round three, picking Malachi Fields out of Notre Dame. The Irish star brings a prototypical “x receiver” size at 6’4″. Fields has strong hands, especially in coverage, going up time and time again in traffic to haul in big catches. His style of play is physical, showing glimpses of a slightly smaller version of AJ Brown. At times, Fields’ lack of elite footwork makes it difficult for him to break away from press coverage, but he still consistently wins contested catches. His 4.61 forty-yard time gives pause about Fields ability to excel at the next level, but his weekly highlight reel catches are hard to deny.
The Giants’ hope is to have Malik Nabers back from his ACL injury as their wide receiver one. With the departure of speedster Wan’Dale Robinson, Fields has an opportunity to step into the second receiver spot, bringing a completely different, complementary style to that of Nabers. If Fields can continue to dominate at the point of the catch, he will give Dart another excellent weapon in his arsenal.
Round 6, Pick No. 186 – Bobby Jamison-Travis, DL, Auburn
GRADE: B
Harbaugh appears to be set on creating a relentless pass rush, adding yet another defensive lineman to an already loaded Giants front seven. Bobby Jamison-Travis gets off the line fast and has been touted as having NFL potential by those within the Auburn organization. Paired with the trade of Lawrence to Cincinnati, the Auburn Tiger will most likely play a rotational role in filling the gap at the center of the defense. There have been some concerns with Jamison-Travis’s lack of linear mobility and consistency, but his athleticism and off-the-ball quickness offer depth.
The Giants appear poised to have a continual cycle of pass rushers stepping in fresh play after play. Jamison-Travis will have plenty of opportunity to solidify himself in a starting role if he can clean up a few areas of weakness.
Round 6, Pick. No. 192 (from MIA) – J.C. Davis, OL, Illinois
GRADE: B
Protecting Dart is paramount to the Giants’ success this year. The trenches are where games are won and lost, and Harbaugh is adding strength to both sides. J.C. Davis is a raw talent with excellent strength and size, but he needs help with footwork. Poor hand placement allows for rushers to drive into his chest, making him susceptible to bull rushes, knocking him off his base. With the proper coaching, Davis can be a strong backup with starter potential.
At a position where injuries can end an offense, adding depth to the line is a strategic move in keeping Dart healthy and avoiding taking unnecessary hits. The later rounds offer the opportunity to find that diamond in the rough and add depth. The Giants made another excellent pick, ensuring to beef up areas of weakness.
Round 6, Pick No. 193 (from DAL) – Jack Kelly, LB, BYU
GRADE: B+
New York rounded out their draft, adding another defender who will look to make his biggest impact on special teams and once again adding depth to the roster. Jack Kelly plays with an aggressive, downhill style, used many times as an up-the-middle pass rusher. He has enough speed at a 4.57 forty to warrant coming off the edge at times, but is average in pass defense.
Kelly has shorter arms, which gives some analysts pause on his effectiveness at the next level, shedding blocks and making tackles. His intensity and physicality make up for some of his physical attributes that may fall short. In two seasons with BYU, Kelly took the Big 12 by storm, posting 106 tackles, 23.5 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles, and 15 sacks. He finished his collegiate career winning All-Big 12 first-team pick. His college coach spoke highly of the linebacker, stating, “I think Jack is going to have an amazing career in the NFL. Jack is one of the most versatile linebackers in the country. Not a lot of linebackers can pressure the quarterback as he does in the pass rush, but also drop in coverage and play his zones and man coverage with such great skill.”
New York Giants 2026 NFL Draft Grade: A
With a new coaching staff at the helm, the Giants hit a home run in the draft. The top three picks taken by New York should all be contributing, if not starting, week 1. The defense has been revamped and looks to bounce back after a rough showing in 2025. Harbaugh appears set to unleash a pass rush that could finish the year in the top five between Carter and Reese. On the offensive side of the ball, Big Blue added much-needed protection for their young, franchise quarterback as well as a new, big receiver. The Harbaugh era is officially underway, and New York fans are hoping that this draft is only the beginning of success for years to come.
