Story perspectives

Giants Draft Reese and Mauigoa, Boost Defense Flexibility

4/29/2026

Summary

Giants Draft

The New York Giants selected linebacker Arvell Reese at No. 5 and lineman Francis “Sisi” Mauigoa at No. 10 in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Head coach John Harbaugh said the picks add flexibility.
Defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson said Reese will line up as an inside linebacker across all gaps.
GM Joe Schoen, in his contract year, faced extension talk after the draft received a B+ grade.

Summary

Giants Target DTs

Giants GM Joe Schoen said the team is negotiating with veteran defensive-tackle agents for a post-draft signing.
Giants hosted free-agent D.J. Reader and expect a costly contract that would avoid 2027 compensatory-pick formula.
Giants cut DeMarvin Leal, who posted 35 tackles, three for loss, one sack and four pass defenses in four seasons.
Pittsburgh now has 12 defensive linemen, including sixth-round pick Gabriel Rubio, after Dean Lowry’s rehab-delayed deal.

History

Historical Context

The 1970 NFL–AFL merger, announced June 8 1966 and completed for the 1970 season, created a 26-team league with a common draft of 17 rounds and 442 picks. It moved three NFL clubs—Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Baltimore—into the AFC, balancing conferences. That centralized drafting tradition underlies today’s Giants selections, such as linebackers Arvell Reese and Francis Mauigoa.

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Giants Draft

The New York Giants selected linebacker Arvell Reese at No. 5 and lineman Francis “Sisi” Mauigoa at No. 10 in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Head coach John Harbaugh said the picks add flexibility.
Defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson said Reese will line up as an inside linebacker across all gaps.
GM Joe Schoen, in his contract year, faced extension talk after the draft received a B+ grade.

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