The New York Giants' first offseason under John Harbaugh laid the groundwork for what looks to be a very promising future. Arvell Reese and Francis Mauigoa are high-upside youngsters who have all the makings of future franchise cornerstones, and Colton Hood and Malachi Fields will be Day 1 starters.
Under Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen, the Giants failed to ever forge a long-term direction. Their draft picks never hit. Their free agent signings blew up in their faces. But in just one offseason with Harbaugh calling the shots, New York did more to set themselves up for success than in a long time.
While using one word to describe every NFC team's biggest offseason improvement, CBS Sports' Zachary Pereles used the word "foundation" for the Giants, labeling the Mauigoa pick as the player who exemplifies the vision the Super Bowl-winning coach has set out to achieve this offseason.
"John Harbaugh knows successful teams aren't built overnight, and the Giants did a good job laying a foundation for successful first steps," Pereles wrote. "Mauigoa could start at guard before becoming a long-term answer at right tackle, bookending Andrew Thomas."
The Giants have a better foundation under John Harbaugh than they have in a long time
Under Harbaugh, the G-Men set out to improve in the trenches, which they accomplished with both of their first-round picks in the 2026 Draft. Reese's versatility is a perfect fit for this defense, while Mauigoa will begin his career at right guard before kicking out to right tackle like Pereles noted.
Even though they traded Dexter Lawrence, the Giants still found a way to improve. In addition to their instant-impact rookies, Harbaugh brought in several veterans in free agency, many of whom he either coached with the Ravens or added to replace Lawrence and will make an instant impact on the roster.
This Big Blue roster is far from perfect. They're not immediate Super Bowl contenders, but I would be remiss if I said I didn't see this team as one that could surprise the doubters in 2026. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised in the slightest if the Giants sneak their way into the NFC playoff picture this season.
Teams win Super Bowls in the trenches, which is something the 63-year-old knows all too well. He's been to the top of the mountaintop in Baltimore, so he knew exactly what moves to make to improve the nucleus of a promising New York roster looking to return to the ideals they had success with.
Between guys like Jaxson Dart, Malik Nabers, and Abdul Carter, the Giants have the young talent to do damage. And now that they have a coach like Harbaugh who is willing to address their issues in the trenches and bring in win-now players, their outlook is the best it's been since the Tom Coughlin days.
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