The New York Giants made a splash in the 2026 NFL draft by selecting linebacker Arvell Reese with the No. 5 overall pick, but according to ESPN's Matt Miller, that choice ranks only 10th best among all draft selections this year. While the Giants' front office was thrilled to land the Ohio State standout, the ranking suggests there were nine other picks that could have been even more impactful.

Reese's slide to No. 5 was somewhat unexpected, as many analysts had him pegged for the New York Jets at No. 2 following an impressive NFL Combine performance. The initial concern? His pass-rushing upside seemed redundant on a Giants defense already loaded with edge rushers like Brian Burns, Abdul Carter, and Kayvon Thibodeaux. But the Giants had a different vision in mind.

Head coach John Harbaugh plans to deploy Reese primarily as an off-ball linebacker, giving him a gradual entry into pass-rushing situations. This mirrors Reese's role at Ohio State, where he lined up mostly at inside linebacker but still logged 97 pass-rush reps. By unlocking his ability as an inside blitzer, the Giants could add another terrifying dimension to an already formidable pass rush, pairing him with veteran Tremaine Edmunds in the middle of the defense.

The ranking puts Reese behind several notable picks, including his former Ohio State teammate and Dallas Cowboys safety Caleb Downs (ranked No. 1), Jets wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. (No. 5), and this year's No. 1 overall pick, Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (No. 9). While other teams addressed more pressing needs, the Giants may have landed a steal in a player who brings elite athleticism, size, and quick reaction time to the table.

For Giants fans, the message is clear: Reese has the tools to make an immediate impact as a rookie, even if the experts don't rank his selection among the draft's elite. In a league where defensive playmakers are gold, New York's gamble on versatility over pure need could pay off big time.