EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — The New York Giants selected Ohio State edge rusher Arvell Reese with the fifth pick in the NFL draft on Thursday night, then took Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa at No. 10, sticking with their stance of going with the best players available rather than filling needs.
Reese, the first player drafted with coach John Harbaugh in charge, joins a defense that ranked 30th out of 32 teams in the league last season but
already had a wealth of talent at the position with Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux and the No. 3 pick a year ago, Abdul Carter.
Having all of them on the roster gives new defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson some intriguing possibilities.
“The Giants told me they’re going to be unique with me," Reese said on ESPN. "They said they’re going to use me in a bunch of unique ways, so I’m looking forward to that.”
Reese could play weakside linebacker, tormenting opposing quarterbacks along with Burns, Thibodeaux and Carter. Burns is coming off setting a career high with 16 1/2 sacks, second only to Cleveland's Myles Garrett, who broke the single-season record.
Carter on social media posted, “Arvell” with a fire emoji, followed by, “We bouta be crazyyyy.”
Reese fell after the Jets took Texas Tech's David Bailey second after Las Vegas, as expected, chose Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the top pick. The Giants would have seriously considered Jeremiyah Love if he was available, but Arizona took him No. 3.
Eschewing voids at wide receiver, safety and off-ball linebacker, New York taking Mauigoa with the 10th pick adds young protection for franchise quarterback Jaxson Dart going into his second professional season. And while the team is set on either side with Andrew Thomas on the left and re-signed Jermaine Eluemunor on the right, the team could move Mauigoa to guard or set up a succession plan for him.
“I’ll die by this shield,” Mauigoa said when asked about Dart. “I’m ready to die for you, man.”
The Giants had the extra selection after acquiring it from Cincinnati in the trade that sent defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Bengals. Their next scheduled pick is the 37th, early in the second round on Friday night, and they don't have one in the third because it was part of the trade to move up for Dart last year.
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