The New York Giants select Illinois Tackle JC Davis with the 192nd overall pick in 2026 NFL draft.
I’ll be honest, once you get into these later NFL draft rounds, I’m not familiar with every prospect. At this point in the draft, I’m really looking for players who have a chance to make the roster, compete for a backup role, or develop into contributors over time. So after the pick was announced, I did what most fans probably did, I watched some tape, checked out a few scouting reports, and tried to get a better feel for what the Giants are getting.
A Productive Career at Illinois
After transferring to Illinois, Davis became a fixture on the offensive line, starting all 25 games over his two seasons there. He finished his college career with an impressive 49 consecutive starts, showing the durability and consistency NFL teams love.
One of the more impressive notes from his résumé came in the Citrus Bowl against South Carolina, where he allowed zero pressures against a talented defensive front. He also finished the 2025 season as Pro Football Focus’ No. 3 graded left tackle in the country and earned First-Team All-Big Ten honors.
Those are accomplishments that certainly stand out for a Day 3 selection.
What Stands Out on Film?
The first thing you notice is his size. Davis has the thick frame, long arms, and strength that offensive line coaches like to work with.
He plays with good power in the run game and can move defenders once he gets his feet underneath him. He also appears comfortable recognizing stunts and twists, something that often gives young offensive linemen trouble. His experience really shows in those situations.
Another positive is his durability. Making 49 consecutive starts at the college level isn’t easy, and availability is an important trait for any offensive lineman trying to earn a roster spot.
Areas That Need Improvement
Like most sixth-round picks, there’s a reason Davis was still available.
The biggest concerns seem to revolve around his technique. His hand placement, balance, and posture can become inconsistent, which causes problems against better pass rushers. When his hands are late, he tends to lean forward, making it easier for defenders to counter with secondary moves.
The encouraging part is that these feel like coachable issues. The Giants’ coaching staff will have plenty to work on, but the physical tools are there.
My Take
This feels like exactly the type of pick you make late in the draft.
You’re not expecting an immediate starter. Instead, you’re drafting someone with size, experience, and enough upside to compete for a roster spot while developing behind the scenes.
After spending some time watching him and reading through the scouting reports, I can see why the Giants took a chance here. Davis has played a lot of football, has been durable throughout his career, and has shown he can hold his own against quality competition.
If the Giants can clean up some of his technical issues, there’s a path for him to become a valuable swing tackle who can provide depth at both tackle positions. That’s exactly the type of player you’re hoping to find in the sixth round, and if he develops into more than that, this could end up being one of those under-the-radar selections that pays off.
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