Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Giants Draft Reese, Mauigoa Top Ten; Harbaugh Hypes Pass Rush

4/28/2026

25 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Giants Draft Badasses

The Giants drafted linebacker Arvell Reese at No. 5 and tackle Francis Mauigoa at No. 10 in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Albert Breer called the two picks the draft’s biggest badasses and noted Chris Simms said Reese is the best linebacker, better than Sonny Styles.
Head coach John Harbaugh met with Malik Nabers to discuss Reese’s pass-rush role, leaving Nabers fired up before he called the public reaction an overreaction.

Summary

Giants Draft Reese

Ted Nguyen named Arvell Reese the draft’s scheme fit for the Giants.
Reese posted 69 tackles, 10 for loss, 6.5 sacks and two pass breakups in 2025.
John Harbaugh called the Giants’ defense “position-less,” letting Reese shift among A-, B-, C- and D-gaps.
Reese earned All-American, Big Ten Butkus-Fitzgerald Linebacker of the Year and first-team All-Big Ten honors.
Giants will use Reese in coverage and pass-rush with games, picks and stunts.

Summary

Schoen Drafts Reese

Joe Schoen’s scouting plan for Arvell Reese, dated August 2025, guided the Giants’ No. 5 draft pick.
Head coach John Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson later rubber-stamped the plan, confirming the selection.
Rumors that Schoen may be dismissed after a 23-46-1 record would leave Harbaugh fully responsible for Reese’s role in a crowded linebacker group.

History

Historical Context

In 2001 Bill Belichick’s Patriots relied on versatile, gap-shifting defenders—players like Tedy Bruschi—to finish 11-5 and capture Super Bowl XXXVI. That emphasis on positional flexibility set a template that resurfaces in 2026 when the New York Giants draft linebacker Arvell Reese, signaling the league’s continued move toward interchangeable defensive roles. Coaches cite the Patriots’ early-2000s scheme as a model for modern defenses.

1 of 4

Giants Draft Badasses

The Giants drafted linebacker Arvell Reese at No. 5 and tackle Francis Mauigoa at No. 10 in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Albert Breer called the two picks the draft’s biggest badasses and noted Chris Simms said Reese is the best linebacker, better than Sonny Styles.
Head coach John Harbaugh met with Malik Nabers to discuss Reese’s pass-rush role, leaving Nabers fired up before he called the public reaction an overreaction.

1 / 4