When you put together the second-worst defense in the league, you need all the help you can get. The irony is not lost on a longtime NFL cornerback turned defensive coordinator who became the first head coach without an interception for the season. Things need to change. Fortunately, Aaron Glenn recognizes that. Fighting for his job this year, mistakes have to be corrected. But, after already experiencing this as a New York Jets player, he welcomes the challenge. Now, he will have the tools to do so. Armed with top-five cap space and four draft picks within the top 45, he can make sweeping changes. However, they must ace the second overall pick in the NFL Draft. While they will have options, the choice should be clear. After an impressive career at Ohio State, this linebacker can impact the game. Even if he just plays off the edge, Arvell Reese has loads of potential.
Dynamic Buckeyes LB Would Be Huge for Jets Defense
Entering draft season, the Jets were working behind the eight ball. Due to late staff changes, there was little representation during the pre-draft bowl games. Now, they must still search for an offensive coordinator. Until that happens, their priority must be improving their 31st-ranked defense from 2025. Literally, only the Dallas Cowboys were the only defense in the league that allowed more points this season. Fortunately, there are a lot of avenues they can take to improve. This year, they have the benefit of selecting someone who can help their defense early. A majority of mock drafts have already settled on a favorite. This April, Aaron Glenn’s defense could welcome Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese into the fold. By playing both edge and linebacker, Reese possesses the speed and strength to make an immediate impact.
LB Arvell Reese is everywhere on the OSU-UT tape.
He's casually forklifts a 310-pound blocker on this rep and has the speed to flush Arch. Matt Patricia really weaponized him in this game. pic.twitter.com/7HPTik13YS
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) August 30, 2025
Arvell Reese took College Football by Storm
An Ohio native through and through, Arvell Reese grew up in Cleveland. Playing for Glenville High School, Reese quickly impressed as a four-star recruit. Despite receiving many offers, the Cleveland native decided to stay in-state by committing to Ohio State. Unfortunately, a concussion during his freshman season prevented Reese from playing, and he only appeared in six games. It was in 2024 that Reese started to get national attention. Becoming the starting middle linebacker, Reese’s development under respected defensive coordinator Jim Knowles & former second-round pick turned linebackers coach James Laurinatis paid off. Reese finished with 43 combined tackles(18 solo tackles) and three & a half tackles for loss. Reese’s abilities as a field general paid off, helping the Buckeyes win the National Championship that year by beating Notre Dame.
While Ohio State didn’t repeat as National Champions, this was not Reese’s fault in the slightest. In fact, Reese thrived in a stellar junior season. Working with a new DC with an experienced NFL coach in Matt Patricia, Reese became a Consensus All-American. Reese finished 2025 with 69 total tackles(34 solo tackles), 10 tackles for loss, and an impressive six & a half sacks. With his improved pass rush production, scouts were elated at Reese’s future as an edge rusher.
Why Scouts Love Arvell Reese?
There are many reasons to be excited about who Arvell Reese is in 2026. However, it’s what he can develop into that has general managers across the sport’s attention. Arvell Reese proved to be a capable middle linebacker in Columbus. However, at 20 years old and already 6’4″ and 245 lbs, Reese shifting to a full-time edge rusher could elevate his pass-rushing potential. As a middle linebacker, Reese was tasked with being the quarterback for the defense. They must relay the play calls, while also being responsible for covering shallow passes over the middle and stopping interior runs. Reese can succeed at this level in the NFL, but not to the level he did in college. Despite his talent, there have been concerns about Reese’s performance in pass coverage. With playmaking tight ends across the league, it could give Reese problems in coverage at the next level.
Right now, what I’ve seen on tape, the New York #Jets’ pick at No. 2 is Arvell Reese, flat-out easy.
Things can obviously change, and I like Bain and Tate, but in today’s NFL, give me the guy who has a chance to be a MONSTER in SPACE (freakish strength + small-area speed/burst).
— Robby Sabo (@RobbySabo) January 23, 2026
So, to help negate this, a shift to an edge rusher could be big. Traditionally, will linebackers are more athletic players who line up on the weak side, where their speed gives them more of an advantage. While Reese has speed, being asked to cover large receiving tight ends could lead to headaches at the next level. Allowing him to hone his pass rushing and utilize his strength to rip through blockers can open up more opportunities for turnovers. As well, Reese’s strength will only improve the more he fills out. At only 20 years old, Reese has time to add an extra 15-20 lbs if he desires to truly thrive. Already equipped with multiple pass rush moves and active hands, Reese has solid tools. By adding size to his frame, he can better throw off tackles and get to the backfield more fluidly.
Arvell Reese would be a great addition to New York’s Front Seven
Needing to improve their defense, the Jets prioritizing edge rusher early will be a massive boost. With the abilities Arvell Reese has, he’d instantly become one of the team’s best three-down edge rushers. In addition, he’d make both Jermaine Johnson and Will McDonald‘s lives easy. By having Johnson and McDonald rotate in and out opposite of Reese, it maximizes what each player has to offer. Due to his lack of consistent pass-rushing abilities, Jermaine Johnson’s strong suit has always been as an above-average run stopper.
In contrast, while he struggles against the run, Will McDonald has been a talented (but inconsistent) pass rusher. Having either man rotate in to pair with Johnson on the outside would create more opportunities for the defense to get stops. In addition, Reese’s prowess can also allow defensive tackle Jowon Briggs to get after the quarterback with greater ease as well. With the combination of Reese, McDonald, and Briggs, those three can disrupt the offense in the backfield enough to help generate turnovers better. Reese alone can’t solve the defensive woes. But he sure would help.
Main Photo: [Jerome Miron] – Imagn Images
