Arvell Reese and Francis Mauigoa are nice surprises for John Harbaugh from the Giants.

Giants Draft Day Impressions

So, there I was — hours of planning, countless simulations, and mock drafts piling up. I spent what felt like an eternity pondering the outcomes for the four teams ahead of me, trying to anticipate who I might snag at pick number five. And then, of course, we had to prepare all over again for the tenth pick.

The stress levels were through the roof. Would the player I wanted still be available? I mean, it was nerve-wracking. Then there were all these other factors—like the possibility of team trades—looming over us. Would our draft board remain intact?

But the Giants managed to navigate through all that uncertainty. Naturally. That’s what a general manager does, and Joe Schoen dedicated a lot of his time to this leading up to last Thursday night.

Head coach John Harbaugh joked, “I think Joe probably ran a hundred billion mock drafts. Maybe that’s an exaggeration, but seriously — it was probably millions.” He chuckled, and Schoen just smiled back.

It seemed all that strategic thinking and careful analysis would yield what we’d all expect for the Giants’ fifth and tenth selections. But, surprise! It turned out quite different.

“I didn’t see this coming at all. It was really unexpected,” Harbaugh admitted.

The chosen players were Ohio State linebacker Arbel Reese at No. 5 and Miami offensive lineman Cici Mauigoa at No. 10. After all that analytical effort, these picks weren’t on anyone’s radar.

“Show me this,” Harbaugh remarked. “Is reality weirder than fiction? It’s one of those things. What an exciting twist! This is a tremendous opportunity for us,” he added.

Harbaugh, who’s spent 18 years with the Ravens, had never had the chance to select twice in the top 10 before. In fact, he only had one top-10 pick previously, back in 2016. So, to say he felt a bit thrilled after these selections wouldn’t be too far off.

“These two picks really bolster us in the core areas,” he noted. “They enhance our offensive and defensive strengths. We believe they’re among the best players available—top picks without question.”

Looking ahead, these selections are the first draft choices for what many are calling the Harbaugh Giants. He wanted to establish a strong foundation, understanding that it’s crucial to instill his vision within the franchise.

Reese brings a certain intensity to the defense. When asked what he knew about Harbaugh’s Ravens, he said, “The image I always associate with them is fast and aggressive. That’s what I aim for in my game.” Fast and aggressive—both vital, perhaps, but Reese emphasized that violence is key in defensive play.

Then, there’s Mauigoa, who is ready to add some muscle to the offensive line. He remarked on the Ravens’ formidable style under Harbaugh: “I think of Ray Lewis and that kind of play. That’s the approach Harbaugh advocates.” He described Harbaugh as an old-school coach, one who embodies toughness and grit.

Earlier that day, he met Jackson Dart, shaking hands and exchanged words, both seeming eager to collaborate. “I’m looking forward to defending for him,” Mauigoa said, quickly positioning himself as a frontrunner for the right guard role.