With the No. 5 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, their first of two Top 10 picks, the New York Giants selected Ohio State LB/EDGE Arvell Reese.
Reese was the Big Ten Linebacker of the Year and a Consensus All-American after notching 69 tackles (10 for loss) with 6.5 sacks and two passes defensed.
Here is NFL.com’s Scouting Report on Reese’s Draft Profile:
At 20 years old, Reese is still growing into his frame and his game, but learning from James Laurinaitis (linebackers coach) and Matt Patricia (defensive coordinator) should give him a head start in acclimating to the pro game. He plays off-ball linebacker and stand-up edge with the talent to post impact production from either spot. His third-down versatility adds alignment variety and helps camouflage defensive intent. His run diagnosis and angles of attack are average, but he flows quickly once he triggers, using assertive hands to stack and play off blocks. He’s fast in pursuit and his tackle finishing could become elite. His rush is kinetic and tough for tackles to mirror. It’s under construction, but Reese has already sprouted go-to moves and rush plans that need more refinement. He might need some runway to hit his stride, but his rare blend of traits, explosiveness and versatility could become a perfect storm of chaos once a defense decides how to deploy him.
