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The Giants earned high praise following their first two picks of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Given that they had two picks in the top 10, the New York Giants were a team with a lot of eyes on them heading into the NFL Draft. Following their first two selections, the front office earned high praise for their plan of attack.

As the first round unfolded on April 23rd, Colin Cowherd posted a short video on X/Twitter to reflect on the Giants. He applauded their early moves, securing a premier talent in this draft class while also addressing a key area of need.

“Well done by the New York Giants. Your first pick is the best player available. Your second pick, offensive lineman, help your young quarterback,” Cowherd said. “That’s how it’s done. Best player, to the best need to protect your No. 1 asset.”

At No. 5, the Giants secured Ohio State’s Arvell Reese. Then at No. 10, the pick they acquired in the Dexter Lawrence trade with the Cincinnati Bengals, New York nabbed offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa. Both prospects now join a promising Giants core that is looking to take a big step forward in 2026.

Colin Cowherd Continues to Praise the Giants for Their Draft Efforts

Following their two early selections, the Giants had to wait a little until they were back on the clock. Their second-round pick also garnered praise across the league, with Cowherd chiming in online yet again.

With the 37th pick, New York shifted back to defense and selected cornerback Colton Hood out of Tennessee. He was viewed as one of the top prospects at his position, and is someone many think can be an impactful talent from day one.

After securing Hood, Cowherd went back to X to shower the Giants with more praise. Through the first two rounds, he has New York as one of the biggest winners thus far.

In his lone season with Tennessee, Hood recorded 50 tackles and one interception.

Former Champion Slights Giants’ Draft Decisions

While many have been quick to praise the Giants since the draft got underway, some have pushed back on their decision-making.

During the April 24th episode of “The Arena: Gridiron,” Aqib Talib gave his thoughts on the Giants’ two first-round picks. He wanted to give them an A for a grade, but dropped it slightly because they passed on a different promising defensive prospect.

“They did get two starters,” Talib said. “I was gonna give them an A, but I couldn’t give them an A because they passed on the best defensive player in the draft. You passed on the best defensive player in the draft, you can’t get an A, so I give them a B.”

Talib was referencing safety Caleb Downs, another standout from Ohio State this year. He ended up falling just outside the top ten, and now finds himself joining the NFL’s most iconic franchise in the Dallas Cowboys.

Downs was viewed as one of the top talents in the 2026 class, but it’s clear the Giants felt Reese can help them more moving forward. Only time will tell if this was the right decision or if Talib’s criticisms were warranted.