JC Davis Is Impressing at Giants Training Camp, Jordan Raanan Says

The Giants selected offensive lineman JC Davis in the 6th round of this past year's draft and he already seems to be turning heads in camp.

On the Breaking Big Blue podcast, ESPN's Jordan Raanan said that Davis "looks really good" and that the Giants "really" like him as a player.

PFF called Davis a "major steal" in the draft and had him as the highest-graded player at his position.

The Giants starting offensive line is essentially set for the 2026 season, so they can treat the development of Davis as more of a long-term project as he gets to learn behind veterans like Andrew Thomas and Jermaine Eluemunor.

JC Davis' College Background

The Giants took Davis with the 192nd overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Oakland, California, native started his college career at Contra Costa College in 2021, then started two seasons at left tackle for New Mexico (2022-23) and two more for Illinois (2024-25). He started all 49 games of his FBS career and earned all-conference honors in four of his five college seasons, according to his Giants bio.

His final season was his best. Davis started 12 games at left tackle for Illinois in 2025, was named AP first-team All-Big Ten and was graded by PFF as the third-best left tackle in the country. A year earlier, he made the AP All-Bowl Team after allowing zero pressures in Illinois' Citrus Bowl win over South Carolina, per Illinois Athletics.

That 2025 season was possible because Davis was granted a final year of eligibility. His Giants bio notes that his junior college season qualified him under the federal court ruling in the case filed by former Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia.

Size and Measurables

Davis measures a little over 6-foot-4 and 322 pounds with 34 1/4-inch arms, according to the Giants' scouting report, which highlighted his "massive wingspan." He ran the 40-yard dash in 5.16 seconds with a 1.78-second 10-yard split.

He is also the first Illinois player the Giants have drafted since offensive lineman David Diehl in 2003.

Where Davis Fits on the Giants Offensive Line

With Andrew Thomas and Jermaine Eluemunor as the starting tackles, Davis doesn't need to be rushed into the lineup. That gives offensive line coach Mike Bloomgren time to develop him. Davis played left tackle throughout college, which makes him a natural fit as a young backup behind the starters.

Late-round linemen who draw praise in camp often get their longest looks in the preseason. The Giants open their exhibition schedule against the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium on Aug. 15, visit the Miami Dolphins on Aug. 22 and host the New York Jets on Aug. 28, which gives Davis three chances to show coaches what Raanan has been hearing about him.

Update: Davis Makes the 53-Man Roster

Davis made the Giants' initial 53-man roster, set on Aug. 30, as one of nine offensive linemen. He wasn't the only rookie to stick: all seven picks in the Giants' 2026 draft class made the team, according to Giants.com. That group includes first-round right guard Francis Mauigoa.

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