The New York Giants added reinforcements to their roster by drafting linebacker Arvell Reese with the fifth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft out of Ohio State. Reese impressed scouts with his athleticism, standing 6’4″ and weighing 241 pounds, running a 4.46 40-yard dash.
For the Buckeyes, Reese had 112 total tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks, and 2 forced fumbles. In 2025, Reese recorded 69 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and six and a half sacks, helping lead the defense and Ohio State to the College Football Playoff. Reese was named the 2025 Big 10 Butkus-Fitzgerald Linebacker of the Year, along with All-American, and First-Team All-Big 10 honors.
Giants General Manager on Reese
It was reported by the NFL’s Kevin Patra, that, in an interview with The Insiders, presented by NFL Network, New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen spoke on Reese and how his talent would be utilized in their defense, saying, “Yeah, he’s going to be an off-the-ball linebacker for us and play Will, and I love the versatility.” He went along to say, “Can he play some edge for us? Absolutely. Can we have him cover tight ends? Absolutely. He can play Will linebacker and play sideline to sideline. He’s a freakish athlete with tremendous size and length and violence.”
Reese is joining an front seven that includes Abdul Carter, Kayvon Thibideaux, and Brian Burns. The Giants defense had 39 sacks last season and with Reese, that could be even more. Opposing offensive lines would have to more so block them one on one and that would create favorable matchups for New York’s defensive line, being that it’s a talented group.
The Giants could make it difficult for offenses around the league and with new coach John Harbaugh, that can be even more of a possibility. New York went 4-13 in 2025 and were last in the NFC East. With the additions they made, they can be more competitive in the conference in 2026.
