Giants Select Arvell Reese Fifth Overall; Nabers Initially Expresses Surprise

The New York Giants selected Arvell Reese from Ohio State with the fifth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Shortly after the pick, Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers, drafted in 2024, expressed his surprise during a Bleacher Report livestream.

Nabers questioned the selection given the team's previous draft picks at similar positions, specifically referencing the drafting of Abdul Carter in 2025 and Kayvon Thibodeaux in 2022. He indicated a preference for the Giants to have drafted safety Caleb Downs.

The Giants later selected offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa with the 10th pick. After the Reese pick, Nabers stated on the livestream that Downs should have been the pick because "you have to get ’em when they’re available", referencing the Giants recent trade of Dexter Lawrence. Downs was eventually drafted by the Dallas Cowboys with the 11th pick, prompting further reaction from Nabers. Nabers later stated on X that his reaction was an overreaction and that he was excited to have Reese on the team.

Head coach John Harbaugh stated that Reese's versatility contributed to the Giants' high rating of him. Harbaugh said Reese would be playing inside linebacker, the Will linebacker and that the team's defense is flexible, so Reese can move around within the defensive scheme.