Arvell Reese NFL Draft 2026 Scouting Report for New York Giants Edge

Matt HolderNov 9, 2025

The New York Giants selected Ohio State Edge Arvell Reese with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.

Arvell Reese is the most physically impressive linebacker in the 2026 draft class. Whether he falls into a hybrid role or converts to being a full-time edge defender, the former Buckeye has a bright future as an impact defender in the NFL.

With elite strength at the point of attack, he can be a very effective run defender and, at just 20 years old—he turns 21 in late August—the 6'4", 241-pound 'backer has a bright future and can be a quality player at the next level.

Reese entered Ohio State as a 4-star recruit in the 2023 class and contributed in six games as a special teamer.

As a sophomore, he was a rotational player behind Sonny Styles (fellow 2026 draft prospect) and Cody Simon (2025 Arizona Cardinals fourth-round pick), totaling 43 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and half a sack during the National Championship run.

This past season was Reese's breakout campaign as a full-time starter, racking up 69 tackles, 10 TFLs and 6.5 sacks while earning a consensus All-American bid and the Big Ten Linebacker of the Year award.

Matt Holder has been a part of B/R's Scouting Department for four seasons. He also writes about the Las Vegas Raiders and NFL draft for SB Nation's Silver and Black Pride, and co-hosts a YouTube Channel, Tape Don't Lie, providing film breakdowns and more draft prospect analysis.

Highlights

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Scroll down for the complete scouting report.

Where He Wins

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- Great size and carries his frame well with no bad weight, giving him room for growth if need be. Also, has good arm length for an off-ball linebacker.

- Shows good instincts against the run to consistently be in the right spot.

- Physical and elite strength at the point of attack to stand up offensive linemen when taking on blocks on the second level.

- Impressive speed and pop behind his pads when coming downhill.

- Has experience playing on the edge as a stand-up outside linebacker and has shown the ability to set the edge against offensive tackles or pullers.

- Sure tackler overall who wraps up and has a large radius due to his long arms.

- In pursuit, he maintains proper leverage on ball carriers, has good speed to increase his range and breaks down to make tackles in space.

- Adds value as a blitzer on third downs, strong and physical to beat running backs with power, can execute coffee house stunts and has impressive closing speed on the quarterback.

- Experience playing in an NFL-level defensive scheme with former New England Patriots defensive coordinator and Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia taking over as Ohio State's defensive coordinator in 2025.

Areas of Improvement

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COLLEGE FOOTBALL: OCT 11 Ohio State at Illinois

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- Change of direction, lateral movement skills and lack of short-area quickness hinder his ability to cover tight ends and running backs in man coverage or make plays on the ball in zone coverage.

- Slow/late to get depth against play-action passes, leaving the middle of the field open.

- Bad eyes in zone coverage and often ends up covering grass.

- Has a habit of taking blocks square instead of getting on an edge, causing him to occasionally lose gap control.