John Harbaugh, Giants look even smarter after Arvell Reese pick

John Harbaugh and the New York Giants are entering their first season together, and a big test for the new head coach was what he did in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Even though general managers are usually in charge come draft time, Harbaugh's contract has a reporting structure that bypasses Joe Schoen, giving him more control, so it's obvious his hands are in all personnel and player matters.

So, Harbaugh, Schoen and the Giants used their No. 5 overall pick to draft Arvell Reese as a move to beef up their defense. Now that the dust has settled from the draft and the new season is inching closer, it's a good time to reflect on that pick.

Giants' selection of Arvell Reese is a great one — here's why

The Giants have been receiving stellar grades for their 2026 NFL draft choices, and Reese is a big part of that, but the entire class is solid.

Rob Maaddi of the Associated Press even gave the Giants an A+ for their draft picks and calls both Reese and offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa "foundation players." He also called cornerback Colton Hood, pick No. 37, a "first-round talent" and notes that wide receiver Malachi Fields, pick No. 74, "could've gone higher in this draft."

When it comes to Reese, the Giants got lucky that he was even available by pick No. 5. Some mocks had him going as high as No. 2 or 3, but with Reese there for the taking at No. 5, it makes solid sense that the Giants would take him. New York needs more help on defense, and he'll bring them assurance for now and the future.

It'll be interesting to see how the Giants utilize him, because if they opt to use him as an edge rusher, New York already has starters in Brian Burns and Abdul Carter. If he does the inside linebacker role, the Giants also already have Tremaine Edmunds and Micah McFadden. But, with his talent, there's no question that Harbaugh will find a natural place for him in the lineup and that he'll get on the field during his rookie season.