Through the 2026 NFL Draft, a slight surprise already emerged. Hybrid edge/linebacker Arvell Reese from Ohio State University made it through the top-four picks of the NFL Draft, finally being selected by the NY Giants at the 5th overall pick.
For the New York Giants, they take arguably the best player available on the board. In doing so, they also add more talent to a position they have stocked beyond belief. Reese joins All-Pro Brian Burns, former No. 3 overall pick Abdul Carter Jr., and former No. 5 overall pick Kayvon Thibodeaux. While you can never have too many edge rushers in the NFL, New York, with holes across its roster, might need to trade from a position of strength and shore up another position.
For the San Francisco 49ers, this presents a phenomenal opportunity.
The Niners are looking for an edge to play alongside Nick Bosa and help shift Mykel Williams inside on rushing downs when he returns from his torn ACL, and Thibodeaux would likely return only a late Day 2, early Day 3 selection, per sources (h/t ESPN).
Luckily for the 49ers, they enter the draft with three fourth-round picks.
The Complication: Giants' posturing
The Giants have reportedly stated, per Adam Schefter, they will not look to trade Thibodeaux following the selection of Reese, but this is likely no more than posturing from New York to attempt and deal from a position of strength. The reality is they need to diversify their roster overall, and they simply cannot play four edge rushers at any one time, especially given how all their players are best built to play outside.
Despite drafting Arvell Reese, the Giants do not intend to trade DE Kayvon Thibodeaux, per source. https://t.co/8zpYlJhXIk
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 24, 2026
The 49ers then make a natural pairing; one of their Day-3 picks in exchange for a player who will likely contribute much faster than a rookie ever could.
The question now: Will San Francisco make the call? And will the Giants answer?
Add us as a preferred source on Google