The hype is already building in East Rutherford for a late-round pick who looks ready to outplay his draft slot. While instant-impact, high-profile additions dominated the early rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft, general manager Joe Schoen may have found his most important insurance piece in the sixth round.
The New York Giants have spent years trying to stabilize the offensive line, and landing a player with starting-caliber traits at pick No. 192 is the kind of move that slowly but surely turns around bad teams.
J.C. Davis arrives in New York as a seasoned tackle who has spent his entire career proving people wrong. Despite a résumé that stacks up with the best of the best in the Big Ten, Davis slid on draft night. The Giants didn’t hesitate when he was still on the board late on Day 3, recognizing that his technique and experience made him a clear value for a team that needs a reliable swing tackle.
J.C. Davis could force his way into the Giants’ plans sooner than expected
The expectation for a sixth-round pick is usually a practice squad role or special teams work, but Davis is already putting pressure on the depth chart behind the starters. With the Giants looking to protect franchise quarterback hopeful Jaxson Dart at all costs, having someone who's able to hold the fort in break-glass-in-case-of-emergency situations is a must.
Warren Sharpe of Sharpe Football Analysis recently included him in his “Top 10 Biggest Offensive Line Steals & Values” from the 2026 draft, and it’s easy to see why:
"Davis took the long road -- junior college to New Mexico to Illinois -- and rewarded every stop along the way, earning First-Team All-Big Ten honors in 2025 and ending his college career as PFF's third-highest graded left tackle in the nation during the regular season.
The Giants snagged him in the sixth round at pick 192, a full 38 spots later than consensus boards projected, giving New York depth and insurance behind Andrew Thomas at one of the most premium positions in football."
Being the third-highest graded left tackle in the country doesn’t happen by accident, especially in the Big Ten. What makes the pair a match made in North Jersey is the fact the G-Men needed a new depth tackle after cutting ties with James Hudson III earlier in the offseason. He doesn't have the same fight as Hudson (literally), but the 6-foot-4, 320-pounder is as experienced as it gets.
We've all seen how quickly things collapse when Andrew Thomas gets hurt. Davis gives them a player with a high floor and solid technique. He’ll start as depth, but the way he plays gives him a real shot to earn a more established role. In a league where competent offensive line play is hard to find and in demand, Davis has the perfect opportunity to make a name for himself early on.
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