There are two ways to look at the Giants’ draft class: optimistically, they might have secured two of the top five players available, a standout pick early in the second round, and several potential starters across both offense and defense. On the flip side, there’s concern that they’ve drafted an edge player to fill a linebacker role, picked a tackle but might use him as a guard, and gave up too much for a receiver who might not see much playtime.
So which perspective should we lean toward?
Draft weekend usually brings a sense of hope, doesn’t it?
Here’s how the Giants’ selections break down according to the Post.
Round 1, 5th overall: Abel Reese (LB, Ohio State University)
The Giants were thrilled to choose Reese, regarded as the top non-quarterback prospect. Such falls in drafts are rare, and Reese had been a standout at Ohio State, though he was only a one-year starter.
He’s developed under Matt Patricia, a well-respected defensive coordinator in the league. While most think of Reese as an edge rusher, the Giants can utilize their existing players—Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeau, and Abdul Carter—while allowing Reese to settle into the weakside linebacker role alongside Tremaine Edmunds. This way, he can learn the game’s tempo without being thrust into the fire immediately.
He’s capable of blitzing, racking up tackles for loss, and matching up with tight ends in coverage. If things shift in the future, and if Thibodeau moves on in free agency in 2027, maybe Reese could shift positions, but having a potential Pro Bowl inside linebacker is just fine.
Grade: A
Round 1, 10th overall: Francis Mauigoa (OG, Miami)
This selection made a lot of sense for the Giants, primarily because their new head trainer, Adam Bennett, comes from Miami. He’s likely well-versed in Mauigoa’s medical history, which is a crucial edge.
Mauigoa’s recent back issues, specifically a herniated disc that might necessitate surgery, could deter other teams, but the Giants see him as an integral part of their offensive line upgrade, their best in over a decade. He’s open to moving from tackle to guard, which shows flexibility.
It’s conceivable he could transition back to tackle down the road if necessary, but for now, he has Pro Bowl potential as a guard, a position the Giants have struggled with since Chris Snee’s departure.
Mauigoa only allowed a 1.1 percent pressure rate last year, which speaks volumes. Trading safety Caleb Downs to the Cowboys, though, added complexity to this decision.
Grade: A-
Round 2, 37th overall: Colton Hood (CB, Tennessee)
Contrary to what some might think, the Giants weren’t worried about missing out on a defensive tackle at number 37. The Texans moved up a spot to secure Caden McDonald, which turned out to be irrelevant for the Giants since they had Hood ranked as their number one target going into the second day.
One NFL executive was surprised Hood didn’t go in the first round, as he was seen as the consensus second-best cornerback in the draft.
Hood is aggressive and fits perfectly with John Harbaugh’s vision. Impressively, he didn’t allow a touchdown last season while showcasing good speed on vertical routes. Harbaugh is optimistic that Hood could earn a starting spot, especially given the openness of the depth chart following the departure of Paulson Adebo.
Grade: A+
Round 3, 74th overall: Malachi Fields (WR, Notre Dame)
Fields generated some late buzz at the Senior Bowl, and Giants’ general manager Joe Schon noted that scouts labeled him the standout receiver there. However, his Combine performance didn’t do him any favors, clocking in at a slower-than-expected 4.61 seconds in the 40-yard dash.
Despite having eyed Fields for a second-round pick, the Giants didn’t have a third-rounder after trading Jackson Dart last year. They made a calculated decision to trade a combination of picks to the Browns to secure the 74th pick.
Standing at 6-foot-4, Fields excels in contested catches and should complement the existing receiving corps nicely, which includes Malik Nabors, deep threats like Darnell Mooney and Darius Slayton, along with Calvin Austin III in the slot. There’s some concern, though: will Nabors be ready for the opener following ACL surgery?
Great players often come at a high cost.
Grade: B
Round 6, 186th overall: Bobby Jamison Travis (DT, Auburn)
It was a bit surprising that the Giants waited so long to address their defensive tackle needs, especially after trading Dexter Lawrence, who was already a gap in their defense.
Travis is a 25-year-old rookie with a lengthy college journey of three years in junior college followed by three at Auburn. However, he doesn’t seem to have that push in the pocket that the Giants desperately need, although he is stout against the run.
Feedback from scouts has been positive due to his personality and work ethic.
Grade: C
Round 6, 192nd overall: JC Davis (OT, Illinois)
After showcasing his skills as a left tackle in college, Davis shifted positions to play guard at the Senior Bowl, demonstrating versatility.
He brings an athletic edge that might compensate for some footwork and balancing shortcomings. With a crowded competition for backup interior offensive line positions, he’ll have to prove himself alongside others such as Lucas Patrick and Josh Ezeudu.
Grade: B-
Round 6, 193rd overall: LB Jack Kelly (LB, BYU)
This pick has potential fan-favorite written all over it. Kelly, once a BMX racing competitor, is affectionately nicknamed “Cannonball.” Quite fitting for a special teams player, I would say.
While his toughness and leadership are commendable, his skill set as a pass-rusher stands out, boasting solid closing speed and ten sacks last season. However, coverage could potentially expose him, as seen during some of his games.
Grade: A-
Overall draft class performance: A
