The moment is finally settling in for Arvell Reese.
Just over a day after hearing his name called as the No. 5 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft by the New York Giants, the former Ohio State linebacker says the experience has been nothing but excitement.
“It’s been nothing but excitement, man,” Reese said. “I spent some time with my family after. Nothing but excitement, I’m going to be honest.”
Reese returned to the Giants’ facility on Friday after previously going through a pre-draft ‘30’ visit, and said the atmosphere now feels completely different from that first introduction.
“It’s unreal being in the building,” he said. “It felt like time flew by. I was just on the 30 visit not too long ago. I feel unreal being here. I’m excited for it.”
The Giants made Reese the centerpiece of their defensive future after a breakout season at Ohio State, where he emerged as one of the most versatile defenders in college football. But before the draft, it was the personal connections with New York’s coaching staff that stood out most to him.
Reese said conversations with defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson and linebackers coach Frank Bush helped solidify his comfort with the organization.
“I went to dinner with Coach Dennard Wilson and Coach Bush. We had a great conversation, a great long conversation,” Reese said. “I just felt like I could relate to those guys so much. They kept it real with me. They gave me some tips and pointers on how to move throughout my rookie year. And with Coach Harbaugh, we had a great conversation as well.”
As he begins his NFL career in New York, Reese admits he’s still learning the city—only having briefly visited Manhattan during his draft process.
“It was busy down there, yeah,” he said with a smile.
Now, he joins a Giants defense that already features major talent, including Tremaine Edmunds, and one he says he’s eager to learn from immediately.
One phrase that has followed Reese throughout the draft process is “fast and violent,” a description often tied to his style of play and the Ravens’ defensive identity under head coach John Harbaugh.
“The image that I remember growing up, I always felt like the Ravens played fast and violent,” he said. “That’s kind of what I try to model my game after—being fast and violent, always thinking violence for sure.”
Still, Reese is quick to balance expectations, especially after being selected at the top of the draft.
“I think that says a lot about me,” he said. “I won’t say it proves my point because I haven’t done anything at this level yet, but I think I’ve got some shoes to fill. I think I’m ready for the challenge.”
When asked what’s more important on the field—fast or violent—Reese didn’t hesitate.
“Both are very important,” he said. “But playing defense, you’ve got to be violent. You’ve got to be thinking of doing something violent.”
Despite comparisons to NFL stars like Micah Parsons and evaluations placing him among the most explosive defensive prospects in the class, Reese says his focus remains simple.
“I try to focus on the stuff I can control,” he said. “He’s a great player, but I just worry about me.”
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