NYG Arvell Reese
NFL inside linebacker. Position: ILB. Team: New York Giants.
Quick Facts
- Position: Inside Linebacker (ILB/WIL)
- Team: NYG (New York Giants)
- Draft: 2026, 5th overall pick (Ohio State)
- Physical profile: 6'4", 241 lbs; ran 4.46 40-yard dash at Combine
2026 Outlook
Reese was the Giants' first-round selection (5th overall) in 2026, addressing an urgent need at linebacker. The athletic freak from Ohio State arrives with elite versatility—he can play stand-up inside linebacker and also drop down to rush off the edge, providing positional flexibility HC John Harbaugh emphasized as a key feature of his scheme.
Reese excelled in a full-time hybrid role at Ohio State in 2025 under Matt Patricia's scheme, recording 69 tackles, 10.0 TFLs, 6.5 sacks, and 2 passes defended. While his pass-rush technique needs refinement, his strength at the point of attack and explosive athleticism at the second level rank among the best in the class. He's positioned to start immediately as an off-ball linebacker with pass-rushing upside on clear passing downs, giving him an excellent floor and untapped ceiling in IDP formats as a rookie. His deployment against elite pass rushers (Brian Burns, Abdul Carter, Kayvon Thibodeaux) will determine his fantasy upside (per IDP Fantasy Football Analysis: 2026 Preseason IDP Risers & Fallers).
Reese is physical, attacks downhill, and offers rare multi-position value at the linebacker level. His 4.46 40-yard dash combined with his 6'4", 241-lb frame reflects explosive athleticism unusual for the position. The Giants doubled down at linebacker in the same draft by selecting Jack Kelly (6th round, BYU) with comparable skill set, signaling confidence in pairing young athletic linebackers together. (per How Giants Revamped the Giants' Linebacker Room for 2026 - Sports Illustrated)
Pre-draft scouts ranked Reese as the #1 EDGE prospect overall, with comparisons to Micah Parsons. His elite closing speed off the edge and versatility to drop into coverage stood out as key differentiators, though scouts noted he's still developing pass-rush moves and counters. High motor and consistent presence around the football marked him as a high-floor prospect. (per NFL Draft Position Rankings: Top 32 EDGE Rushers In the 2026 NFL Draft - Steel Curtain Network)
Role / Depth Chart
Rookie inside linebacker/edge rusher hybrid. Expected to play primarily WIL (weak-side) position initially, with potential expansion to multiple roles as he develops. Paired with veteran Tremaine Edmunds on interior defense.
Injury Status
No injuries reported heading into 2026 season.
Recent News
- 2026-10-08 — NY Giants’ Arvell Reese named NFL Rookie of the Week (NY Giants’ Arvell Reese named NFL Rookie of the Week)
- 2026-04-22 — New Jets Trade Rumors on No. 2 Pick in 2026 NFL Draft amid David Bailey vs. Arvell... (New Jets Trade Rumors on No. 2 Pick in 2026 NFL Draft amid David Bailey vs. Arvell...)
- 2026-04-25 — 2026 NFL Draft consensus rankings: Arvell Reese moves back into No. 1 spot - The Athletic (2026 NFL Draft consensus rankings: Arvell Reese moves back into No. 1 spot - The Athletic)
- 2026-04-15 — 2026 NFL Draft Linebacker Rankings: Top 5 Pass Rushers Including Arvell Reese (2026 NFL Draft Linebacker Rankings: Top 5 Pass Rushers Including Arvell Reese)
- 2026-05-31 — Giants draft Arvell Reese 5th overall; versatile linebacker with edge-rush potential (How Giants Revamped the Giants' Linebacker Room for 2026 - Sports Illustrated)
Open Questions
- How quickly will Reese acclimate to NFL linebacker position and positional flexibility?
- Will his athleticism and scheme flexibility justify 5th overall pick as rookie production ramps?