The New York Giants selected Ohio State edge rusher Arvell Reese with the fifth pick in the NFL draft on Thursday night, sticking with their stance of taking the best player available rather than filling a need.

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.

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.

With the No. 10 pick and their second first-round selection, the New York Giants took Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa. Mauigoa started at right tackle since his freshman year with the Hurricanes in 2023. At 6-foot-6 and 335 pounds, he plays with a firm base in pass protection and has the ability to displace defenders in the run game. Scouts believe he can make an immediate impact in the NFL as a dominant run blocker.