It's a little early to start reimagining this year's NFL draft, as the class has yet to even complete its first training camp, let alone play in an NFL game.
But that is where we are, days away from camp. Justin Melo of Sports Illustrated recently conducted the exercise of redrafting the 2026 college class knowing what we know now about these players.
The first two picks remained unchanged. The Las Vegas Raiders selected Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza at No. 1, and the New York Jets took Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey second overall.
At No. 3, the Arizona Cardinals selected Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese instead of Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. Next up, at No. 4, the Tennessee Titans stay the course with Ohio State wide
receiver Carnell Tate.
The New York Giants, at No. 5, and with Reese, their actual pick this year, select his Buckeyes teammate, linebacker Sonny Styles.
With Reese drafted by the Cardinals in this scenario, Sonny Styles becomes the straightforward selection for the New York Giants. In fact, with the Giants deciding to keep Reese at linebacker, you could argue choosing Styles, the more natural linebacker of the two, would have made more sense. John Harbaugh's defense still lands a flexible front-seven defender.
The Giants never thought Reese would fall to them, so this may have been their pick here. One problem, though. They also coveted Love, and there was talk that if Love was still on the board at No. 5, there would have been a heated discussion over who to pick here.
With their second pick in Round One, No. 10 overall, Melo has the Giants taking Ohio State safety Caleb Downs over Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa.
We don't necessarily have an issue with the Giants' selection of Francis Mauigoa here, but safety Caleb Downs was the better overall prospect. Plus, knowing what we now know, keeping Downs away from their division rival Dallas Cowboys is a sweetener. If this scenario came to fruition, the Giants would feel inclined to sign a veteran starting guard like Kevin Zeitler.
All true. The Giants passed on Downs twice, which seems unfathomable when you look at their secondary and how it's performed. Plus, John Harbaugh has always had great talent at the position over the years. Many draft experts and Giant fans thought this was the right pick here.
The Giants landed two great prospects but plan to play them at positions that do not appear to exhibit their strengths.
Reese will play inside linebacker for the Giants this year, not on the outside where many scouts believe he fits best. Mauigoa is being shifted to guard, a position he did not play in college.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: New York Giants see major change in 2026 NFL re-draft
