For better or worse, the New York Giants' incoming draft class has staked its claim on the roster. There have been highs and lows, though things have been mostly upbeat.
Now that the Giants' 2026 preseason is in the rearview mirror, let's assess what we've seen (or haven't) from their rookie class. The squad's annual "Snoopy Bowl" showdown against the New York Jets was another data point, but that was far from the only one. It was another brushstroke of a much larger canvas, one that has been bright early on.
Here's our evaluation of New York's draft picks this year after seeing them get their feet wet in a few glorified scrimmages.
Grading the New York Giants' 2026 draft class (and Dominic Zvada) after preseason ends
Arvell Reese, LB
With an 88.2 Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade, Reese finished the preseason as New York's fourth-highest-graded defender. He wasn't just impressive relative to his Giants comrades either; that mark ranked 10th among all linebackers.
Reese showed plenty of promise in two games (22 snaps precisely) to get the night off versus Gang Green, along with several other starters. His physicality and tremendous athleticism, specifically as a run-stopper, were on display. He eased any concerns folks may have had about assuming a full-time off-ball role and looks ready to be an instant difference-maker.
Grade: A
Francis Mauigoa, OL
Mauigoa gave everyone a scare with a late-summer injury in practice. Fortunately, he avoided any serious diagnosis and came away with a stinger.
In fact, Mauigoa seemed no worse for wear upon returning to the lineup. The 2025 Consensus All-American did a great job meeting a Jets linebacker he has history with at the second level: his older brother, Francisco "Kiko" Mauigoa. In David-and-Goliath fashion, the not-so-little sibling's fluid movement and power paved the way for running back Tyrone Tracy Jr.'s six-yard touchdown.
Like Reese, Mauigoa dispelled any possible doubts regarding his positional alignment. The transition from playing exclusively right tackle in college to kicking inside to right guard as a pro has been smooth thus far.
Grade: A-
Colton Hood, CB
A quad issue hampered Hood during training camp, but he also hasn't been lighting it up when on the field. There have been opportunities to make a strong case for a starting job — it simply hasn't coalesced into much.
While no one's ready to label Hood a bust, and he fared well at organized team activities (OTAs), some more positive news would be reassuring. He has room for growth.
Grade: B-
Malachi Fields, WR
Fields has done enough to be penciled in as the second wide receiver on the depth chart. Although that statement isn't worth its weight in gold, considering the other options (or lack thereof) at the Giants' disposal.
Regardless, Fields has established himself as an exciting pass-catching weapon for quarterback Jaxson Dart and a valuable blocker. The big-bodied playmaker recorded first downs on all three of his preseason receptions for 34 yards and a sweet TD grab.
Given what the Giants paid to trade up and get Fields, they have to be encouraged.
Grade: B+
Bobby Jamison-Travis, DL
Jamison-Travis found himself on the bubble heading into the battle of New York squads, yet saved the best for last. He flashed good pursuit of the signal-caller on a sack of Bailey Zappe in what was ultimately the veteran journeyman's final outing as a Jet.
Seeing a large man bring down the passer while wearing the No. 97 jersey will surely ring some bells around the Tri-State Area. Nevertheless, Jamison-Travis still has a ways to go before throwing out the Dexter Lawrence comparisons, to say the least.
Grade: C-
J.C. Davis, OL
It was Davis, the No. 192 selection, who came out as PFF's top-rated first-year Giants offensive lineman, not Mauigoa, who was taken 10th overall. That's what we like to call a pleasant surprise, though fans who have followed the consistent drumbeat surrounding the Illinois product shouldn't be too shocked.
There was a reported learning curve during minicamp in what's been a trial by fire of sorts (h/t ESPN's Jordan Raanan). Make no mistake, however, Davis has gained momentum and made noise over the summer, even earning praise from a former Giants stalwart. He and 2025 fifth-rounder Marcus Mbow are quietly forming an intriguing swing tackle and depth duo behind stud blindside protector Andrew Thomas.
Grade: A-
Jack Kelly, LB
While Reese has understandably commanded most of the attention, Kelly's low-key validated Big Blue Nation's borderline unreasonable excitement over a sixth-round rookie. The latter was touted for outstanding traits during the scouting process, including a combination of sideline-to-sideline speed and toughness, and it's been evident why.
Kelly's presence has been felt in more ways than one. He's made an impact as a pass-rusher (logging two hurries in the 13-10 exhibition loss to the Minnesota Vikings), in the ground game and on special teams. His efforts rendered starter Darius Muasau, who was waived (h/t CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz), expendable ahead of the 53-man cutoff deadline.
At this rate, the Giants might have a legitimate Swiss Army knife and hidden gem on their hands. Kelly still needs to polish his technique, specifically as a tackler, before the victory laps begin.
Grade: B+
Dominic Zvada, K
At long last, New York appears to have finally solved its long-standing kicking problem, thanks to an undrafted rookie. Zvada has been a godsend for a club that's struggled to consistently put the ball through the uprights for quite some time. He went five-for-five on field goals and four-for-four on extra-point attempts in tune-up action, officially winning the competition with Ben Sauls.
Grade: A+
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