With the No. 5 overall pick, theGiants had an opportunity to add some serious talent to the roster and did just that by selecting Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese...
Height: 6-foot-4Weight: 241 pounds40-Yard Dash: 4.46 secondsVertical: N/ABench: N/ABroad Jump: N/A2025 Stats: 69 combined tackles, 6.5 sacks, 10.0 tackles for loss, two passes deflected, consensus All-American
NFL.com: 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.
Bleacher Report: Arvell Reese is the most physically impressive linebacker in the 2026 draft class. Whether he falls into a hybrid role or converts to being a full-time edge defender, the former Buckeye has a bright future as an impact defender in the NFL.
Reese was widely considered one of the best defensive players in the draft, and there was a good chance he wouldn't make it past the second pick. But when he fell to No. 5, the Giants jumped on him, and they added a defensive weapon.
Reese can be a force in blitz packages, and can also play off the ball. He'll be able to learn from Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux, giving the Giants a very strong group of edge rushers.
John Harbaugh wants a physical defense, and Reese certainly fits that bill.
This draft is among the more unique ones in recent memory. There aren’t any no-doubt, blue-chip prospects anywhere. You can actually make the argument that the three best are those who play non-premium positions (Running back Jeremiyah Love, safety Caleb Downs and linebacker Sonny Styles).
What the Giants get in Reese is the player with the most upside, though. The stats don’t blow you away (10.5 tackles for a loss, 6.5 sacks in 2025), but his film shows his all-world potential. The speed, bend and athleticism are that of a player who might one day be among the best edge rushers in the NFL – Micah Parsons-like.
Reese won’t be that in 2026. That doesn’t mean he won’t contribute, though. He’ll do a bit of everything as the team works to refine his pass rushing: Put his hand in the dirt and rush, play off-ball backer, cover, then rush the middle. Defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson will have fun with this one.