Film Room: Exploring the unique talent of Arvell Reese

Key Points:

• The New York Giants selected Arvell Reese with the fifth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, pairing him with Abdul Carter, Brian Burns, and Kayvon Thibodeaux as versatile front-seven players under coach Dennard Wilson. Reese will start at linebacker alongside newly-signed Tremaine Edmunds.
• Reese concluded his college career at Ohio State with 112 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks, and two passes defensed, showing versatility by playing edge defender, linebacker, and overhang defender roles across 960 defensive snaps.
• Known for his elite athleticism, Reese possesses a rare combination of power, speed, and fluid movement, excelling in pass rushing, run defense, and coverage, while also demonstrating high football IQ and versatility as both a linebacker and edge rusher.
• Despite his strengths, Reese's pass-rushing moves and hands need refinement, and he occasionally loses track of receivers in zone coverage; there is some uncertainty whether he will be pigeonholed as a hybrid player.
• At just 20 years old, Reese is considered a unique talent with significant upside, capable of contributing early as a linebacker and providing the Giants with a dynamic defensive presence for years to come.