The New York Giants have received high praise for their 2026 draft class and are viewed as one of the winners of the draft. We'll have to see how the seven players perform on the field to assess them, but the outlook for the seven players selected by the Giants appears to be promising.
- Averell Reese, LB, Ohio State (5th overall)
- Francis Mauigoa, OT Miami (10th overall)
- Colton Hood, CB Tennessee (37)th overall)
- Malachi Fields, WR Notre Dame (74th overall)
- Bobby Jamison-Travis, DT Auburn (186th overall)
- Jesse Davis, OL Illinois (192Ra overall)
- Jack Kelly, LB BYU (193third overall)
The Giants acquired two opening day starters in Reese and Mauigoa and potentially a third starter in Hood. They also added depth and players who would contribute on special teams.
These players would play a huge role in building the foundation of the John Harbaugh era with Big Blue. Here are our bold predictions on what to expect from each player in the 2026 draft class.
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averell reese
Shortly after taking Averell Reese with the fifth overall pick, Harbaugh said the rookie linebacker would play on the inside. The versatile Reese will show off his playmaking ability and make plays sideline to sideline. Reese would not only lead the Giants in tackles, but he would have the most tackles of any rookie, be named to the All-Rookie team, and be voted to the Pro Bowl.
Francis Mauigoa
Despite playing right tackle at the University of Miami, Mauigoa will be the team's new starting right guard. He will start all 17 games at guard and help reduce the number of sacks given up by the line from 48 in 2025 to 30 in 2026. He would also be named to the All-Rookie Team.
colton hood
Hood would spend the first half of the season in and out of the starting lineup. Then in the second half of the season, he would emerge as the full-time starter opposite Paulson Adebo. He will bring big play ability to the secondary as he has two pick-sixes on the season.
Malachi Fields
The 6'4, 223-pound Fields is the biggest target in the Giants' wide receiver room. As the season progressed, his playing time would gradually increase, and he would become one of Jackson Dart's favorite targets in the red zone. Fields scored five receiving touchdowns in each of his final three years in college, and as a rookie, he would also find the end zone five times.
bobby jamison-travis
Jamison-Travis is the only defensive lineman the team took in the draft, so they definitely have plans to help the interior defense. His 6'4 322-pound frame allows him to stack blockers so his teammates can make plays, and he will clog running lanes. His stats won't be off the charts, but he will play a big role in improving the team to their 31scheduled tribe Run defense from a season ago.
jesse davis
A sixth-round pick is never guaranteed to make the final roster, but Davis appeared in 47 games during his collegiate career, and the franchise has always preferred players with lots of experience. He will make the final roster and add depth to the line. Teams can convert him from tackle to guard, and he can be used in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
jack kelly
The Giants' final pick in the draft could end up being the best value pick in the draft. The versatile and offensive linebacker had 75 tackles, 23.5 tackles for loss and 15 sacks in his two seasons at BYU. The defensive coordinator will integrate Kelly into the defensive rotation, but Kelly will also make a big impact on special teams, as he will lead the Giants in special teams tackles this season.
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