As of Friday, June 19, there are 86 days until the New York Giants play in 2026. New head coach John Harbaugh has worked with the front office to rebuild the roster. The most efficient way to do that is through the NFL draft. In 2026, New York made six selections. Which Giants rookies will make an immediate impact during the upcoming season?
These Giants Rookies Are Ready to Make Their Presence Felt Immediately
Arvell Reese, Linebacker
With the fifth overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft, the Giants selected Arvell Reese out of Ohio State. Some draft analysts predicted Reese would be drafted as high as number two to the Jets. However, the Giants were ecstatic to see Reese on the board at five. The 20-year-old tested at an elite level during the NFL combine. Reese ran a 4.46 40-yard dash, tied for the highest among all defensive linemen and linebackers in 2026.
While Reese played more of an edge rusher role at Ohio State, New York plans to play him at linebacker. The Giants view Reese as an off-ball linebacker in their defensive scheme. He will learn and play alongside Tremaine Edmunds. Reese has the tools to be one of the top linebackers in the NFL. His size, speed, and football IQ will help him make an immediate impact on the roster. He is one of several Giants rookies with a massive opportunity. Can Reese compete for Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2026?
Dominic Zvada, Kicker
The Giants signed seven undrafted free agents this offseason. Unfortunately, not every player New York signed will make the active 53-man roster. There is one undrafted Giants rookie who is poised for success. That would be former Michigan kicker Dominic Zvada. He was with the Wolverines for two seasons. Zvada started his career with Arkansas State before transferring to Ann Arbor.
This offseason, the Giants signed veteran kicker Jason Sanders to a one-year deal. He was cut a few weeks ago so New York could sign several free agent wide receivers. With Sanders off the roster, it’s a two-man competition between Ben Sauls and Zvada. Giants beat reporter Jordan Raanan shared that Zvada is a heavy favorite to win the kicking job this offseason. He was lights out for New York during mini-camp and OTAs. They expect to see the same through training camp and the preseason.
Francis “Sisi” Mauigoa, Offensive Line
When the Giants traded Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals, they acquired the 10th overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft. With that selection, they added one of the newest Giants rookies. Francis “Sisi” Mauigoa played right tackle for Miami. However, the Giants just signed veteran Jermaine Eluemunor to a three-year contract extension. Mauigoa is set to line up at right tackle for New York in 2026. The 20-year-old was cross-training at tackle and guard to prepare for a scenario like the one he is in.
Earlier this offseason, former Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey showed high praise for Mauigoa. He believes the Giants’ rookie has what it takes to be an “All-Pro guard” in year one. That is certainly setting the bar high. The last rookie offensive lineman to receive first-team All-Pro honors was Colts’ Quentin Nelson. Mauigoa has the size and tools to make an immediate impact for the Giants in 2026.
In three seasons with Miami, Mauigoa made 42 consecutive starts. Additionally, he allowed just three sacks in the 2024 and 2025 seasons combined. Not only has he proven durability, but he is a reliable offensive lineman. New York’s top two players entering the 2026 draft are Reese and Mauigoa. They ended up with both. Zvada is another Giants rookie destined to make his presence felt in 2026 and beyond.
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