Arvell Reese Selected No. 5 Overall By New York Giants In 2026 NFL Draft
Arvell Reese was nicknamed “The Werewolf” at Ohio State University. The hybrid Linebacker and Defensive Lineman looks great to fill needs on the New York pass rush. He is a little more than six feet four and a little more than 240 pounds. He is also fast. He ran a 4.46 40-yard dash at the National Football League (NFL) Scouting Combine.
The Giants need help on the pass rush. They were middling in the NFL in 2025. However, the Giants needed defensive skill, and they got some with Reese. The Giants can use Arvell Reese’s size and speed. Plus, he is not yet 21 years old. Do you think he fits well with the New York Giants?
New York Giants Free Agent Signings
The New York Giants signed a bevvy of free agents, but many of the players they signed were on the offensive side of the ball. The G-Men signed tight end Isaiah Likely. They signed a punter in Jordan Stout and a long snapper in Zach Triner. They also signed a placekicker, Jason Sanders. They also signed two wide receivers, Darnell Mooney and Calvin Austin III, and re-signed Isaiah Hodgins.
The Giants also re-signed Offensive Lineman Jermaine Eluemunor and Evan Neal. They signed a fullback in Patrick Ricard. They bolstered their secondary by signing Safeties Jason Pinnock and Ar’Darius Washington, and Cornerback Greg Newsome II. They signed Guards Aaron Stinnie and Joshua Ezeudu. They did sign Linebackers Micah McFadden and Cam Jones. Nevertheless, Arvell Reese will fit in with the remaking of this team.
Arevell Reese’s Strengths
Specific to Arvell Reese, he has some significant strengths that will help the Giants. These strengths are.
- Versatile potential as a linebacker or defensive lineman.
- Will still get bigger, but size now is attractive.
- Arvell Reese is also fluid and fast to maximize his attack on two-way goes.
- Improved patience, diagnosis, and downhill flow as the season progressed, which points to an upward trend.
- Sheds blocks with strong and agile hands. Also, uses hands to set the tone.
- Has all the tools to become the NFL edge-setter the New York Giants desperately need.
- Already has three or four go-to rush moves. He pairs a run-and-dip edge move with a speed-bull counter.
- Has good timing and balance
- Can rush, spy, and smother man-cover targets underneath.
- Lateral Movement can bring down slashers in space.
Avrell Reese’s Weaknesses
There are not very many weaknesses for Arvell Reese, so the Giants are getting a good one.
- He is still going to fill out, but upper-body strength will need more attention.
- Lack of experience shows itself; he really only started for one year in college.
- He gets distracted by post-snap eye candy and misdirection.
- Inconsistent route awareness in his zone drops.
Arvell Reese In the Context Of the Giants
It was a little surprising that Arvell Reese made it to this point in the draft. He was rumored to be the No. 2 pick with the Jets. The Giants need to add quality players to their defense, and Arvell Reese fits the bill. The question is going to be how he fits, considering most see him as an edge rusher, and the Giants already have Brian Burns and Abdul Carter entrenched as starters at those positions.
