Giants depth chart post-NFL Draft. Where Arvell Reese, Colton Hood fit

· Yahoo Sports

EAST RUTHERFORD - Joe Schoen and John Harbaugh could not stop smiling.

After months of predicting and guessing, the New York Giants put their plan into effect over the course of three days of the 2026 NFL Draft, including two potential home runs in first-round picks Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese and Miami offensive lineman Sisi Mauigoa.

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The Harbaugh era got off to a roaring start as most observers around the NFL praised Big Blue for their newest players. The work, of course, is not complete, but there is a clear vision from Harbaugh and his coaching staff that Schoen and his scouting staff attempted to turn into reality.

"I think we have a bunch of Giants, figuratively and literally," Harbaugh said. "We have guys that we really like that are going to make a difference."

Here's our look at where the Giants' depth chart stands on both sides of the ball post-draft and what to expect as the quest to strengthen the team in its entirety continues:

NY Giants offensive line

  • Who's here (projected starters in bold, rookies in italics): Andrew Thomas (left tackle), Jon Runyan Jr. (left guard), John Michael Schmitz (center),Francis Mauigoa (right guard), Jermaine Eluemunor (right tackle), Marcus Mbow, Daniel Faalele, Joshua Ezeudu, Aaron Stinnie, Bryan Hudson, Jake Kubas, Evan Neal, Reid Holskey, J.C. Davis, Ryan Schernecke, Dodji Dahoue
  • Positional breakdown: The Giants have their tackle spots locked down with Thomas and Eluemunor as one of the league's best bookend tandems last season. Mbow could be an option to bump to the interior, but his role as swing tackle is also essential to the Giants' success up front. That brings us to Mauigoa, who brings toughness and an attitude to guard before eventually kicking out to tackle down the line. There was a lot of speculation in the offseason surrounding the futures here of Runyan and Schmitz and whether they fit what Harbaugh wants, but both players have stuck. Faalele and Stinnie have the inside track as reserves with Ezeudu likely having an early edge on Neal.
  • What's next: Davis, one of the Giants' three sixth-round picks, will cross train at guard and tackle, and he's an intriguing developmental prospect who won't be forced into the lineup. Certainly is a move for the future, but with Runyan in the final year of his contract, could Davis be primed to take over at left guard in 2027?

NY Giants quarterbacks

  • Who's here (projected starters in bold, rookies in italics): Jaxson Dart, Jameis Winston, Brandon Allen
  • Positional breakdown: What a difference a year makes. Dart is the unquestioned starter and a leader on this team. As noted above, the priority placed on giving Dart what he needs to continue his ascension is real. The presence of Winston should only help in that regard; and as the 32-year-old showed last season, if the Giants are in a competitive situation during the season and need to turn to the former No. 1 overall pick, Winston can play productive football. Allen has familiarity with Callahan. The Giants could also add a developmental QB after the draft at some point.

NY Giants running backs

  • Who's here (projected starters in bold, rookies in italics): Cam Skattebo, Tyrone Tracy, Devin Singletary, Dante Miller, Eric Gray, Damon Bankston, Patrick Ricard (fullback)
  • Positional breakdown: How much Skattebo does this spring remains to be seen. Tracy and Singletary can earn roles - Tracy is tops in his draft class in yards from scrimmage over the last two years. Ricard is called Pancake Pat for a reason. Ricard will play a significant role in this offense. The multi-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro brings physicality and a different aspect to the run game. The Giants have other needs, but there is nothing to prevent additions to this group.
  • What's next: Get Skattebo healthy. There is room for another back if Harbaugh and the Giants fall in love with someone, but we'll see. New Mexico's Bankston is expected to sign as an undrafted free agent and his versatility on special teams and offensively could open a path to the roster eventually.

NY Giants wide receivers

  • Who's here (projected starters in bold, rookies in italics): Malik Nabers, Darnell Mooney, Darius Slayton, Malachi Fields, Calvin Austin III, Isaiah Hodgins, Gunner Olszewski, Beaux Collins, Jalin Hyatt, Ryan Miller, Dalen Cambre, Da'Quan Felton, Xavier Gipson, Courtney Jackson
  • Positional breakdown: Nabers' health coming back from the ACL is paramount to the success of this offense. The videos of his recovery posted to his social media accounts are encouraging. The need was certainly there to address this position further and they did that with the value signing of Mooney, who had his best season in the pros with Nagy in Chicago. That history likely gives the 28-year-old the edge in the battle for a starting spot in 2-WR sets. Slayton had a disappointing 2025 campaign after signing his inflated extension. Needs to be more productive and consistent. Austin was incredibly clutch with Aaron Rodgers in Pittsburgh last season, and he can play outside and in the slot. Don't be surprised if he takes snaps from Slayton early on if the veteran does not come out strong. Beyond those three, Hodgins and Olszewski are depth pieces. Collins might carve out a role in the run game and the same for Cambre and Miller on special teams. Will Hyatt be here at all?
  • What's next: The Giants packaged three picks to move back into the third round with their sights set on Fields, jumping one pick ahead of the Dolphins, who were reportedly interested. He is a big-bodied target with a profile unlike others currently on the roster and could be a long-term sleeper with room to grow. He can also be a factor in the run game. After not taking a receiver in the first round, Big Blue moves one day closer to a possible reunion with Odell Beckham Jr., who impressed in his workout earlier this week.

NY Giants tight ends

  • Who's here (projected starters in bold, rookies in italics): Isaiah Likely, Theo Johnson, Chris Manhertz, Thomas Fidone, Tanner Conner
  • Positional breakdown: Likely's presence changes how the Giants will play schematically. He could see a lot of time in the slot with Johnson in the traditional tight end role. The Giants are counting on playing more heavy sets with both on the field, and Manhertz is an old-school in-line blocker. Fidone showed flashes in the preseason, but a foot injury and a deep group ahead of him turned his rookie season into a redshirt year.

DEFENSE

NY Giants inside linebackers

  • Who's here (projected starters in bold, rookies in italics):Tremaine Edmunds, Arvell Reese, Micah McFadden, Jack Kelly, Darius Muasau, Cam Jones, Swayze Bozeman, Zaire Barnes
  • Positional breakdown: Calling Arvell Reese solely a pass rusher is missing out on what his fit with the Giants will be. He's a projection in that role and putting him in that room doesn't truly represent his value. Because his comfort as an off-ball LB provides this defense another weapon and in theory strengthens the entire unit. He'll play "WILL" 'backer next to Edmunds, who was one of the Giants' big ticket newcomers on the free agent market. McFadden signed a one-year prove-it deal after missing all but one game last year with a foot injury. Barnes, Bozeman and Muasau are potential core special teamers.
  • What's next: The Giants have to feel comfortable with the trio of Edmunds, Reese and McFadden, and the rest make for a solid camp competition for special teams and depth roles on defense. BYU's Kelly, one of their three sixth-round picks, could be talented enough to steal reps on defense and take on a significant role on special teams from the outset.

NY Giants defensive line

  • Who's here (projected starter in bold, rookies in italics):Darius Alexander, Roy Robertson-Harris, Sam Roberts, Bobby Jamison-Travis, Elijah Chatman, Marlon Tuipulotu, Anquin Barnes, Ben Barten
  • Positional breakdown: Lawrence's departure to Cincinnati puts pressure on the front office and the coaches to figure out ways to replace him. It's a huge void - might have been the right move to trade the All-Pro, but now there's a gaping hole. Alexander showed well down the stretch of his rookie season and more will be expected. Check that: more will be needed. Robertson-Harris was viewed as a potential cap casualty, but right now he's in the starting lineup.
  • What's next: Auburn's Jamison-Travis, one of the Giants' three sixth-round picks, is an accomplished run stuffer who could grab a rotational role as a rookie. This week, the expectation is that veteran D.J. Reader will sign, perhaps a two-year deal. They could sign other vets such as Shelby Harris and Austin Johnson. Maybe someone like Calais Campbell would be interested in reuniting with Harbaugh after spending three years together in Baltimore. He was impactful at age 39 last year in Arizona. This is an area of concern that will be addressed in some way, and even after a few moves, they won't be done.

NY Giants outside linebackers

  • Who's here (projected starters in bold, rookies in italics):Brian Burns, Abdul Carter, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Chauncey Golston, Caleb Murphy, Trace Ford
  • Positional breakdown: Burns and Carter have a chance to be one of the most productive rush tandems in the league, provided the latter continues to ascend after a strong finish to his rookie season. Thibodeaux missed the final seven games last year due to a shoulder injury and is in line to play 2026 on his fifth-year option worth around $15 million. The Giants say they plan to keep him right now rather than trade the former No. 5 overall pick. Golston is a strong fourth option.
  • What's next: The public speculation on Thibodeaux's status isn't going away. A lot could hinge on the Giants' success, and if they are winning games and the pass rush is clicking, he'll stay. If things are not going well, the trade deadline could be an option.

NY Giants cornerbacks

  • Who's here (projected starters in bold, rookies in italics):Paulson Adebo, Colton Hood, Greg Newsome, Dru Phillips, Tae Banks, Thaddeus Dixon, Nic Jones, Korie Black, Art Green, T.J. Moore, Jarrick Bernard-Converse, Rico Payton, Myles Purchase
  • Positional breakdown: The Giants seemingly have more confidence in their corners than many outside observers. Hood is extremely talented and Harbaugh expects him to challenge for a starting role on the boundary immediately. Newsome could be a great value addition if he reverts to his former from early last season in Cleveland in DC Dennard Wilson's aggressive system. Adebo played better than given credit for last year until his injury in the first half of the collapse in Denver. Phillips was inconsistent in the slot, but is a talented player. This may be Banks' last chance this offseason to earn the trust of his fourth DC, including interim Charlie Bullen last year.
  • What's next: Thought we could absolutely see a cornerback drafted early in Day 2 and that’s when the Giants tabbed their top player on the board entering that round (Hood), per team brass. Dixon, an undrafted free agent from UNC, is a sleeper for the roster from jump due to his athletic profile and production with the Tar Heels.

NY Giants safeties

  • Who's here (projected starters in bold, rookies in italics): Jevon Holland, Tyler Nubin, Ar'Darius Washington, Jason Pinnock, Elijah Campbell, Beau Brade, Raheem Layne, Patrick McMorris
  • Positional breakdown: A lot was expected from Holland and Nubin, and they did not deliver a year ago. But perhaps with the coaching change and a new approach, the Giants can get more out of their front line tandem. Washington was productive in Baltimore in 2024 before suffering an injury last year. Pinnock’s return is an all-around boost. Campbell, Brade, Layne and McMorris will all be fighting for special teams reps.
  • What's next: The Giants have stuck with their group, and there is still hope that the tandem of Holland and Nubin can play much better than they did at times last year.

NY Giants specialists

  • Who's here (projected starters in bold, rookies in italics):Jordan Stout (punter), Jason Sanders (kicker), Dominic Zvada (kicker), Ben Sauls (kicker), Zach Triner (long snapper), Ben Mann (long snapper)
  • Positional breakdown: Stout is an All-Pro whose presence should reinvigorate the Giants' punt unit, having followed Harbaugh here from Baltimore. Sanders missed all of last season with a hip injury, but he has the resume. Sauls showed promise down the stretch of his rookie year and should be set up for a competition this summer with the veteran. With Casey Kreiter off to Arizona, the Giants will have to find a new long snapper for the first time in six seasons. Expect UDFA signee Mann to compete with Triner.
  • What's next: The presence of Zvada certainly puts pressure on Sanders and Sauls, and it'll be interesting to see how long the Giants keep three kickers. Can the rookie win the job?

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: How NY Giants depth chart, roster shapes up after NFL Draft

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