Arvell Reese to Giants, Fans React to B/R's Top LB Going No. 5 in 2026 NFL Draft

Ohio State's versatile linebacker Arvell Reese is officially the newest member of the New York Giants after being selected No. 5 overall.

So what is New York getting in their new defensive weapon?

Matt Holder of the B/R NFL Scouting Department called him the "most physically impressive linebacker in the 2026 draft class," anding that "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" and 241-pound linebacker has a bright future and can be a quality player at the next level."

Arvell Reese highlights

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Holder also wrote that Reese's NFL comp was superstar Micah Parsons, which will surely have Giants fans excited.

Certainly, the reaction on social media was that of excitement:

Reese had an epic 2025 season, registering 69 tackles (10 for loss), 6.5 sacks and two passes defensed while being utilized as both an edge-rusher and off-ball linebacker. That versatility gives him a pretty high floor, but his athletic profile (he ran a 4.46 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine) and potential as an impact pass-rusher makes his ceiling extremely enticing.

As for the Giants, the team is now absolutely loaded with impact players off the edge. Reese will join Abdul Carter, Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux, and both Carter and Reese will provide the team a ton of versatility.

Granted, a Thibodeaux trade just became much more likely (though Adam Schefter's report indicated otherwise). But either way, the Giants are now loaded with versatile pass-rushers.