Cardinals saved New York Giants from a potential draft-day clash
TL;DR
The New York Giants navigated their first NFL draft smoothly, selecting seven players under new management. They avoided a potential conflict by not having Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love available at their fifth overall pick.
Key points
- New York Giants had a smooth NFL draft.
- They selected seven players fitting their new vision.
- Jeremiyah Love's availability could have caused a split decision.
- Management worked well together under Joe Schoen and John Harbaugh.
Mentioned in this story
Cardinals saved New York Giants from a potential draft-day clash
The New York Giants traversed their first NFL draft under their revamped management hierarchy with little incident. The general manager, Joe Schoen, and the first-year head coach, John Harbaugh, appeared to work well together to select seven players that fit the team's new vision under Harbaugh.
That may not have been the case if Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love was still on the board when the Giants were on the clock at No. 5 overall.
Veteran NFL reporter Ralph Vacchiano reports that the organization was split on whether to take Love that high.
Giants select Arvell Reese
Giants select Francis Mauigoa
New York Giants select Colton Hood
New York Giants select Fields
Giants select Bobby Jamison-Travis
Giants select J.C. Davis
Giants select Jack Kelly
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New York Giants' 2026 rookie draft class
Giants select Arvell Reese
1 / 7
New York Giants' 2026 rookie draft class
Giants select Arvell Reese
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New York Giants' 2026 rookie draft class
Giants select Francis Mauigoa
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New York Giants' 2026 rookie draft class
New York Giants select Colton Hood
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New York Giants' 2026 rookie draft class
New York Giants select Fields
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New York Giants' 2026 rookie draft class
Giants select Bobby Jamison-Travis
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New York Giants' 2026 rookie draft class
Giants select J.C. Davis
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New York Giants' 2026 rookie draft class
Giants select Jack Kelly
The Giants were surprised that edge rusher Arvell Reese was available for them to take with the No. 5 pick in the draft. They expected him to go in the top four, in part because, as GM Joe Schoen revealed, he was the top-rated non-quarterback on their draft board.
But not by much. Running back Jeremiyah Love, who was taken by the Cardinals at No. 3, had "basically the same grade" as Reese, a team source told me.
So, what would’ve happened if both Reese and Love had been available at 5?
We may never know, but the internal debate in the run-up to the draft had been fascinating. Love obviously had some strong support in the Giants organization, and Harbaugh was believed to be one of his biggest boosters. The coach had a powerful rushing attack in Baltimore behind Derrick Henry, and he wants to rebuild that kind of offense in New York.
But Arizona took Love at No. 3 overall, preventing the possible clash between Schoen and Harbaugh on the team's very first pick out of the gate.
Vacchiano went on to say that taking a running back third-overall would set a precedent since the No. 5 slot in the draft will get a contract "worth a guaranteed $47.8 million. That’s $11.8 million more guaranteed than any running back has ever gotten before."
"It’s a terrible use of assets," one general manager told Vacchiano. "Obviously, you can find 1,000-yard rushers for much less. You have to really believe [Love] is a Hall of Fame talent and can transform your team immediately. Because financially, you’re saying he’s 33% better than [Saquon] Barkley. And he’s not."
"I don’t know what the Giants would have done," a scout told Vacchiano. "But sometimes you just have to take the talent and ignore the cost. He’s a special running back. Forget the finances. It’s about: What can he do for you?"
The Giants ended up with Arvell Reese, who they had rated not only as the top edge rusher in the draft but the top off-ball linebacker as well. Maybe they should thank the Cardinals for taking Love and leaving Reese for them.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Cardinals saved New York Giants from a potential draft-day clash
Q&A
What was the New York Giants' strategy during the NFL draft?
The Giants focused on selecting seven players that aligned with their new vision under first-year head coach John Harbaugh and general manager Joe Schoen.
Who is Jeremiyah Love and why was he significant for the Giants?
Jeremiyah Love is a running back from Notre Dame, and his availability at the fifth overall pick could have led to a split decision within the Giants' organization regarding whether to select him.
How did the Giants' management perform during the draft?
The Giants' management, led by Joe Schoen and John Harbaugh, worked well together, resulting in a smooth draft experience with no major incidents.
What challenges did the Giants face during the draft?
The main challenge was the potential decision-making conflict regarding the selection of Jeremiyah Love, which was avoided when he was no longer available.
