The New York Giants made a stunning and unexpected selection in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft, taking Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese with the No. 5 overall pick.
Many analysts had projected Reese — a 6-foot-4, 241-pound versatile defender from Cleveland — to go even higher, with several mock drafts connecting him to teams picking ahead of New York. His availability at five caught observers by surprise and immediately signaled the Giants’ aggressive approach to upgrading their front seven with a dynamic, positionless playmaker.
The pick has generated strong reactions across the NFL community. Here’s what fans, analysts, and insiders are saying:
Asked a well-placed Giants source what they liked about Arvell Reese. The response:"Everything"
Another Edge Rusher?! Practice will be fun! pic.twitter.com/2KQoUXFXmD
Very few of the #Giants internal mock drafts included this reality. They thought he was going No. 2, lowest No. 4. In Reese New York gets the defensive player with the most upside. Reese is the pick over S Caleb Downs. https://t.co/u2DOQouYjJ
As the #5 overall pick, LB Arvell Reese should sign a fully guaranteed 4 year, $47.8M contract with the #Giants, including a $31.2M signing bonus.Reese is represented by Klutch Sports.
John Harbaugh's 1st ever Giants draft pick is Ohio State EDGE/off-ball LB Arvell Reese. 6-4, 241 pounds. He has the same agent as Kayvon Thibodeaux. https://t.co/nm5xSZTshr
GIANTS EDGE RUSHER ROOM JUST GOT DEEPER 🤯 pic.twitter.com/dHzNo1VBIZ
Did I just see Steve Tiche in the #Giants draft room?!
— The Giants Report (@GiantsReport1) April 24, 2026
Giants go with @dpbrugler overall No. 1 pick Arvell Reese Per Brugler: “It’s hard to find versatile defenders with his caliber of explosive tools.” pic.twitter.com/fKQt7uWXdr
— Charlotte Carroll (@charlottecrrll) April 24, 2026
The #Giants sat and saw a top pass-rusher fall into their lap. #OSU versatile LB Arvell Reese goes to the #Giants at No. 5.They can play him at ILB.
Arvell to the New York area, where @CarvelIceCream was founded. The #Giants take Reese at 5. pic.twitter.com/PZQFOkfmDY
Arvell Reese of Ohio State is the sixth 1st-rd college LB and fourth-highest LB taken in #NYGiants history. (Note: Thibodeaux was a college DE). pic.twitter.com/K8GWSzEgRb
You really can never have enough pass rushers ...The Giants have taken edge rusher Arvell Reese with the 5th overall pick in the draft.(In fact, they did it 10 minutes ago ... thanks again ESPN).Quarterbacks everywhere, beware. https://t.co/3TJsLgdciw
Arvell ReeseBrian BurnsAbdul CarterKayvon Thibodeaux (for now?)That's a loaded group of edge rushers. John Harbaugh knows what the Giants have thrived on historically. Getting to the QB.
Arvell Reese said on ESPN the Giants plan to "be unique" with him and "use me in a bunch of unique ways."
@Giants got a potential star LB/EDGE in @arvxll... https://t.co/UGbN13MHs9