New York Giants linebacker Arvell Reese (52) celebrates after blocking a pass, Sunday, October 4, 2026, in East Rutherford.
For the first time in over a decade, the New York Giants are at the top of the NFL’s NFC East, looking down on the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, and Washington Commanders.
Yesterday was a big day for Joe Schoens last 4 years of first round picks: Deonte Banks: Game winning INT Malik Nabers: 100+ YDs and a TD Abdul Carter: 8 QB pressures Arvell Reese: 9 Tackles 1 INT 3 PBUs Will have to revisit the tape but thought Sisi Mauigoa opened up some holes in the run game despite getting beat a couple times in pass pro. The talent has always been there, but this new coaching staff is getting the most out of these players.
— Giants.future (@future_giants) October 5, 2026
The franchise has started to pick up its groove in the draft room as their picks are starting to pan out, and it is leading to key wins early in the season.
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The Giants’ draft picks are making a significant impact.
Oct 4, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (1) runs the ball during the third quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
The Giants have been at the top of the draft boards for numerous seasons, and it sounds like their draft picks are starting to pan out. Arvell Reese has been a homerun pick so far and is starting to become a huge story. Reese led the team in total tackles and five stops and led the defense in total snaps. The Giants were gifted Arvell at pick 5, and teams may look back at this draft and think they may have made a mistake.
Deonte Banks, who faced criticism last season, has looked more comfortable in this revamped Dennard Wilson’s defense. This defense fits Banks’ scheme of being more physical and playing closer to the ball. Before the pick-six, Deonte Banks made a massive play on tight end Trey McBride to break up a pass.
Abdul Carter hasn’t been able to get sacks, but his pressure is what stands out in his play. He gets to the quarterback faster than most edge rushers but can’t pick up sacks. He led the defense in pass rush wins with 14, which is the most in the 2026 season.
Malik Nabers showed in this game versus Arizona why he is one of the best receivers in the league with his impressive performance. He put up over 100 yards and recorded a touchdown on a nice pass from Jameis Winston. This is the Nabers that the Giants drafted, and he is starting to get back to his full form. He was very good in his rookie year and is starting to show his old strides.
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Giants Fans haven’t had this feeling in a long time
The NFL is heavily driven by drafting your team. If you don’t draft impactful players, the franchise doesn’t move forward. The Giants have been able to hit on some recent picks, and they are starting to turn into very good players for their team.
The roster is good on paper, and the team is winning games that they don’t normally win. A 3-1 start for the Giants is a great look as the franchise tries to change the narrative of their football team.