The New York Giants and Jets came into the 2026 NFL Draft focused on turning around their losing ways with high first round picks.
The New England Patriots’ draft night focus was fuzzy, as they arrived with a linebacker-sized distraction. “My previous actions don’t meet the standard that I hold myself to,” said head coach Mike Vrabel during a brief news conference in Foxborough, MA, adding that he’s taking accountability for his actions. He was responding to Thursday’s publication of the latest in a series of photos showing Vrabel in close, repeated social contact with then-NFL reporter Dianna Russini.
Russini recently quit her job at The Athletic after other compromising photos were released. Vrabel says he’ll leave the team temporarily before the draft’s final day, Saturday. He’s heading to unspecified “counseling,” saying his departure is solely family-related.
“I understand that there are questions. I take accountability for my actions, and the actions that caused a distraction to the people that I care most about — my family, this football team, the organization and our fans,” Vrabel said.
Vrabel said he was unsure if this would be the last time he planned to step away from the team.
Vrabel was reportedly with Patriots management for Thursday's first round of the draft, as the team chose to build its offensive line. It was a productive night for the Giants, who had two picks in the top ten, and the Jets, who wound up with three selections.
2026 NFL DRAFT: FIRST ROUND
NEW YORK JETS
2nd overall pick: David Bailey, LB/DE, Texas Tech, 6-3, 251 lbs.
The Red Raiders reached the College Football Playoff last season. Bailey’s pass rush was a major factor, as he led the nation with 14.5 sacks (matching his total in previous 3 years at Stanford), among 19.5 tackles for loss (TFL). He also deflected 3 passes and forced 3 fumbles. NFL Media analyst Lance Zierlein writes of Bailey, his “explosiveness and athletic talent is truly elite.” He runs the 40 yard dash in 4.5 seconds. NFL.com also says he takes a “finesse approach against the run due to lack of size/power.” He has 2 deflected passes and 2 TFL’s (including 1 sack) in the CFP quarterfinal loss to Oregon. He tells reporters the key to his pass rush ability is “Speed, number one. It’s just great get-off and acceleration.”
16th overall pick: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon, 6-3, 241 lbs.
Impact player for Ducks team that went 2-1 in the CFP, reaching the semifinals (L to Indiana). 51 catches for 560 yds., 11.0 avg. reception, 8 touchdowns (#1 in the nation among TE’s). Season-high 8 catches for 96 yds. a TD vs. Minnesota. NFL.com writes, "A versatile tight end with a shredded physique and alluring potential as a volume target,” but raises some questions about his blocking abililty. A speedy 4.39 in the 40. Idaho native. He tells reporters he’ll deliver “versatility, speed and toughness.”
30th overall pick: Omar Cooper, Jr., WR, Indiana, 6-0, 199 lbs.
A clutch performer at slot receiver for the 2025 national champions. In a 16-game schedule, caught 69 passes for 937 yds. (13.6 avg) with 14 total TD’s. Ran the 40 in 4.42 seconds. NFL.com writes that Cooper “welcomes physical play and wins through contact.” The Jets traded back into the first round to get him, sending second and fifth round picks to San Francisco.
Next: The Jets hold a pick in Friday’s second round (#44 overall). They do not have a pick in the third. They’ll have four more choices on Saturday.
NEW YORK GIANTS
5th overall pick: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio St., 6-4, 241 lbs.
A 2024 national champion as a sophomore, first team All-American. CFP quarterfinals as a junior (7 tackles in L to Miami). NFL.com’s top-rated prospect in the draft. 6.5 sacks in 2025, 10 TFL. 2 pass breakups. NFL.com writes his “rare blend of traits, explosiveness and versatility could become a perfect storm of chaos.” Runs the 40 in 4.46. NFL.com also writes, “upper-body strength will need more attention.” “Arvell is a versatile player,” says new Giants coach John Harbaugh. “we’re gonna play him at inside backer, WILL backer.” Reese calls himself “an impact player.”
10th overall pick: Francis “Sisi” Mauigoa, G/T, Miami, 6-5, 329 lbs.
Stalwart and team captain of Miami’s 4-game run in the CFP (L national championship to Indiana). NFL Media analyst Lance Zierlein writes, “He’s highly experienced with an impressive football IQ that pops on tape.” ESPN.com adds, “He plays with strong hands inside with great ability to sustain blocks.” Looks like he’ll be positioned at guard, at least in his rookie season. NFL.com also writes, “Too much leaning and not enough bending as a drive blocker.” Comes from a successful football family from American Samoa. Brother Francisco a.k.a. “Kiko” is a LB with the Jets. Harbaugh says the pick “makes us a lot more stout.”
Next: The Giants hold a pick early in Friday’s second round (#37 overall). They currently have no pick in the third round.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
28th overall pick: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah, 6-6, 313 lbs.
Didn’t allow a sack last season as a starter at left tackle for the Utes. The Patriots look to help an offensive line that struggled to protect QB Drake Maye in the playoffs. NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein says Lomu is “in the early stages of his development,” but “His play could improve rapidly with strength gains and additional coaching.” An Arizona native. Patriots moved up from #31 in the first round to pick him, sending a 4th round pick to the Buffalo Bills. Patriots general manager Eliot Wolf calls Lomu “young, experienced and athletic.”
Next: The Patriots have one pick each in the 2nd and 3rd rounds on Friday. They also hold seven more picks in rounds 4-7 on Saturday.
Material from The Associated Press was used in this report.
Patriots draft comes with a linebacker-sized distraction
Patriots draft comes with a linebacker-sized distraction
