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Giants Pick Reese, Mauigoa Top Ten in Harbaugh Era

4/24/2026

Summary

Giants Draft

The New York Giants drafted linebacker Arvell Reese (Ohio State) at No. 5 and tackle Francis Mauigoa (Miami) at No. 10 on April 23, 2026, via a Bengals trade for Dexter Lawrence.
Both picks came under head coach John Harbaugh, who replaced Brian Daboll after a 4-13 2025 season.
GM Joe Schoen, retained from the prior regime, said team used a best-player-available approach, noting Reese’s 4.46-second dash and Mauigoa’s 6-foot-5, 329-lb size for guard.

Summary

Reese Drafted

Reese became Ohio State’s highest-drafted linebacker since A.J. Hawk in 2006 and the first first-round linebacker since Darron Lee in 2016.
In 2024-25 he posted 34 solo tackles, 69 total and 6.5 sacks, earning All-American and Big Ten linebacker honors.
At the combine he ran a 4.46-second 40-yard dash, 22.58 mph, the second-fastest edge-rusher speed in his class.

Summary

Nabers Wants Downs

Malik Nabers said he’d rather the Giants draft safety Caleb Downs than face him on the field.
He argued that trading defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence created a fresh need for secondary help.
Nabers questioned where Arvell Reese would play and recalled quarterback Jaxson Dart wanting an offensive lineman, doubting Mauigoa would line up inside.
Micah Parsons observed Nabers looked visibly upset during the Giants’ livestream as the picks unfolded.

Summary

Giants Shift Picks

Cowboys may trade George Pickens and picks No. 12 and No. 20 to the Titans for the No. 4 slot, forcing Giants to change their top-two-pick plan.
Giants traded DT Dexter Lawrence to the Bengals, received No. 10 overall to draft OL Francis Mauigoa, re-signed RT Jermaine Eluemunor, and added Daniel Faalele.
Giants plan to sign D.J. Reader after the draft and are scouting WR Jordyn Tyson and CB Mansoor Delane as first-round targets.

History

Historical Context

The NFL draft system, established in 1989, revolutionized team-building by allowing franchises to select college players based on their previous season's performance. This shift has led to strategic trades, such as the New York Giants' acquisition of the No. 10 pick in 2026. The emphasis on speed and size in player selection reflects ongoing trends in the league's evolution, impacting future drafts significantly.

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Giants Draft

The New York Giants drafted linebacker Arvell Reese (Ohio State) at No. 5 and tackle Francis Mauigoa (Miami) at No. 10 on April 23, 2026, via a Bengals trade for Dexter Lawrence.
Both picks came under head coach John Harbaugh, who replaced Brian Daboll after a 4-13 2025 season.
GM Joe Schoen, retained from the prior regime, said team used a best-player-available approach, noting Reese’s 4.46-second dash and Mauigoa’s 6-foot-5, 329-lb size for guard.

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