NFL executives expressed sharp criticism of the New York Giants’ 2026 draft strategy, questioning the team’s direction after using two top-10 picks on Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese at No. 5 and Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa at No. 10.
“The Jets, I can at least look at and say, ‘OK, got a lot of pieces, still don’t have a QB, but you have all this ammunition next year, with three first-round picks,'” one exec told The Athletic. “If this was the Giants’ one swing, ‘OK, but are they better?'”
The selections came after the Giants traded star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Bengals for the No. 10 pick in what many viewed as a weak draft class.
Another executive highlighted the lack of continuity on the defensive line.
“I just don’t feel like there is much of a plan,” the exec said. “Did they replace Dexter Lawrence? You can’t keep on trading your good players. You aren’t gonna replace Dexter Lawrence with the 10th pick in most drafts, let alone this one. And considering the amount of money that Dexter Lawrence signed for (one-year, $28 million extension), like, how could you not get that done? What happened?”
Some reports indicate Lawrence sought an exit beyond financial terms, aligning with coach John Harbaugh’s preference for committed players.
Criticism extended to the choice of Reese over Ohio State teammate Sonny Styles.
“They should have drafted Sonny Styles, because he’s the one that got Reese lined up every day, and I think was better than Reese,” a third exec said. “Reese just disappeared in some of those games. They are talking about playing him off the ball, but if they wanted an off-the-ball linebacker, take Styles. He’d be the leader, the captain, the culture, the play style — everything you want from John Harbaugh’s guy.”
Later picks included cornerback Colton Hood, wide receiver Malachi Fields, and late defensive tackle Bobby Jamison-Travis, but the early focus drew the most scrutiny for failing to address key needs cohesively while depleting established talent.
However, not everyone viewed the Giants’ draft haul through a negative lens.
“I love what they did,” a fourth exec said. “They are going to run a lot of exotic fronts where they are positionless chess pieces, so you don’t know who is rushing. That is going to be a bear to block up between (Brian) Burns and Abdul (Carter) and (Kayvon) Thibodeaux and Arvell. He has the physical tools to do that.”
Time will tell which executives — those who are critical and those who believe general manager Joe Schoen did well — get it right.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: NFL executives slam New York Giants’ draft haul: They have no plan
Reporting by Dan Benton, Giants Wire / Giants Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
