Malik Nabers Questions Giants for Arvell Reese Pick in NFL Draft
The New York Giants took the player they believed was best overall at No. 5 in the NFL Draft, although wide receiver Malik Nabers seemed befuddled over the choice.
With Ohio State’s Arvell Reese still available at fifth overall, it seemed like a no-brainer for the Giants to add him as a versatile linebacker and edge rusher for their defense. There had been speculation ahead of the draft that Reese could have gone as early as the No. 2 pick to the New York Jets, but instead, they went with Texas Tech’s David Bailey.
Meanwhile, the Giants added a prospect with tremendous upside to become one of the best in the NFL in the future. However, his newest teammate, Nabers, shared his immediate reaction, questioning why his team went with Reese fifth.
“I love the player, don’t get me wrong, but just like he said, like, ‘Where do you play?’ Like you wanna be on the outside of the rush, but we just drafted somebody last year to do that same thing,” Nabers said, seeming confused over the pick.
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The Giants selected an edge three times in the last four years. They chose Abdul Carter third overall at last year’s draft and Kayvon Thibodeaux in 2022. That said, there is speculation that Thibodeaux could be a player the Giants trade away.
“The reason why I said Caleb Downs,” Nabers said, before being reminded that the Giants could still take Ohio State’s Downs 10th overall.
“Right, but I’m saying you have to get them when they’re available,” he said, suggesting Downs could be off the board by then.
“We just traded Dix. You need interior D-line. I understand getting an outside backer. He wants to rush, OK, cool. But when you eliminate something from there, you have to put something into the back to be secure,” Nabers indicated.
It’s a surprising take for a current Giants roster member to question his team’s selection, and according to fans might not be the best look for NY’s star receiver. Many called him out for it in the comments on Bleacher Report Gridiron’s X video.
“Leek brother I love ya. But this ain't a good look. That's your new teammate. You don't say that about your new teammate,” one commenter wrote.
Another said, “Leek goin down the Odell route. While I don't disagree with him… gotta take the professional route and zip it.”
“bro is complaining about getting the best player in the draft at 5,” someone wrote, including a crying laughing emoji.
In yesterday’s final mock draft update by ESPN, NFL insider Peter Schrager suggested that Reese could fall to fifth, which would give the Giants the opportunity to get him. That’s exactly what they did, although it may take time for Nabers to warm up to having Reese as a new teammate.
Reese is 6-foot-4 and 241 pounds, and had impressive combine results with his 4.46-second and 40-yard dash. ESPN has Abdul Carter as Reese’s NFL comparison, and now he’s part of the same lineup with him.
With their later pick, the Giants added University of Miami offensive tackle, Francis Mauigoa, who could give protection for quarterback Jaxson Dart to find Nabers on the field. Speaking of that, Nabers is looking to resume playing for the Giants in the coming season after suffering a season-ending torn ACL and meniscus in Week 4 last season.
He underwent successful surgery, and there’s optimism that he will be fully healthy, but his availability at the start of the season is not yet guaranteed.
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This story was originally published April 23, 2026 at 10:17 PM.