The New York Giants have added a player who was coached by Warren Sapp and could be a potential difference maker.
The New York Giants entered the NFL Draft knowing they needed defensive tackle help following the Dexter Lawrence trade, but they ran into some trouble.
There were no interior defenders worth selecting in the top 10, so the Giants went ahead and selected edge rusher Arvell Reese and offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa.
New York appeared to want Kayden McDonald at No. 37, but the Houston Texans traded up one spot ahead of Big Blue to land the Ohio State star.
The Giants could have taken Christen Miller or Lee Hunter, but they opted for cornerback Colton Hood with that pick to fill their cornerback need.
New York then did not select a defensive tackle until Round 6, when it nabbed Bobby Jamison-Travis out of Auburn.
Jamison-Travis is a decent late-round selection, but there is no question the Giants need plenty of more help at the position. That's why they are expected to add a veteran like Calais Campbell or DJ Reader in free agency.
Anquin Barnes. Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images.But following the draft, New York explored the UDFA pool and ended up signing Colorado defensive tackle Anquin Barnes, a rather intriguing move.
Barnes was coached by NFL legend Warren Sapp during his last two collegiate campaigns, as Sapp served on the Buffaloes' coaching staff under Deion Sanders.
That alone is enough to make him a compelling addition, but he also stands 6-foot-5 and weighs 340 pounds, meaning he could very well be the space filler that the Giants need in the trenches.
Barnes certainly wasn't a star at Colorado, which is why he slipped out of the draft entirely. But he is a decent run stopper and could help New York improve in that area if he ultimately makes the roster.
Currently, Darius Alexander is the Giants' top defensive tackle, which almost certainly won't be the case once the 2026 regular season begins.
New York will absolutely sign an established veteran, and Jamison-Travis will probably have a chance to get some significant playing time. But the interior is so wide open for the Giants right now that Barnes could get a chance to play, as well.
It will take a strong showing from Barnes in training camp and preseason, but the opportunity is there for him to make an impact.
NY Giants Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Giants. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.