Arvell Reese Reacts to Joining Giants, Reveals How Harbaugh Plans to Feature Him After NFL Draft

Former Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese says John Harbaugh and the New York Giants are preparing a "unique" defensive game plan after selecting him with the No. 5 pick of the 2026 NFL draft.

"The Giants told me they're going to get unique with me. They're going to use me in a bunch of unique ways, so I'm looking forward to that," Reese said on the ESPN draft broadcast.

Giants linebacker Abdul Carter expressed excitement about his new teammate Thursday night on social media:

Reese was listed as the top linebacker and No. 4 overall prospect on Bleacher Report's final big board ahead of the draft.

After mainly playing on special teams in 2023 and playing behind Sonny Styles and Cody Simon while helping Ohio State win a national title in 2024, Reese established himself as a top defensive player in the draft during his junior season.

Reese played 14 games for Ohio State while posting 6.5 sacks and 10.0 tackles for loss on the most effective defense in FBS.

B/R NFL scout Matt Holder described him as "the most physically impressive linebacker in the 2026 draft class."

While Reese looks to make the jump to the NFL after three college seasons, a key question for the Giants will be which defensive position to play him in.

The Associated Press' Joe Reedy reported before the draft that scouts were split between Reese eventually developing into a pass rusher or an off-ball linebacker.

Reese told reporters in March he was "comfortable everywhere" with Ohio State, and that it would be up to his next defensive coordinator to decide on his position going forward.

Whichever role Reese ultimately takes in his rookie season, the Giants will hope bringing him into the fold will help them field a stronger defense in 2026.