Is the next Micah Parsons about to enter the NFL? Based on his size, speed, athleticism and impact defensively, former Ohio State star Arvell Reese is destined to be the next hybrid linebacker difference maker to enter the 2026 NFL Draft.
Ranked No. 2 on Pro Football Focus’ 2026 NFL Draft big board, Reese sits only behind Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza. But, in all, when it comes to non-quarterbacks in the draft, is there debate as to who will be the best position player in the draft.
When it comes to positional players, former Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love has gained steamed over the past few weeks as a player some draft analyst feel is the top player in the draft above Mendoza. Reese’s former teammate, Sonny Styles, and Miami pass rusher Rueben Bain Jr. round out the top 5 on PFF’s big board. All fantastic prospects, but who has the higher ceiling in the NFL?
NFL Combine Performance | Stats |
|---|---|
40 Yard Dash | 4.46 Seconds |
10-Yard Split | 1.58 seconds |
With the New York Jets holding the No. 2 overall pick in the draft, they may hold the answer to that question depending on who they select after Mendoza goes off the board with the top pick.
Despite an active first wave of free agency, the Jets are aligned to take the best player available. At 6’4”, 241 pounds, Reese is an overall impact player who brings top-level physicality and positional versatility to any defense in which he is drafted.
The elite traits that make Arvell Reese the top player in the 2026 NFL Draft
A consensus All-American and Big Ten Butkus-Fitzgerald Linebacker of the Year, Reese led a talented and Ohio State defense in 2025. In a breakout season, he showed off his versatility with 69 total tackles, 10.0 tackles for a loss, 6.5 sacks and 2 pass breakouts with room for growth based on his limited experience as a starter. That’s the scary part about his game. Reese will get better as an outside linebacker/edge rusher hybrid in the NFL, and he has guaranteed that vision of growth.
Prior to his impressive NFL Combine performance, Reese
"Teams have pretty much been asking me what I want to do and see where my mind was at. I've been telling them I think I'm an outside linebacker/edge," Reese said back in February, via ESPN. "I haven't even scratched the surface with really what I can do pass rushing."
Outside of the Jets, the next two teams on the board are the Arizona Cardinals and Tennessee Titans. Both teams could take Reese as their next defensive stalwart if he slips past the Jets. There is even a case for the New York Giants at No. 5 adding Reese to their defense to play alongside another off-the-ball linebacker/edge hybrid talent in Abdul Carter. Aside from his freakish athleticism and physicality, what makes Reese the top player in the 2026 NFL Draft?
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What coaches are saying about Arvell Reese ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft
The case can be made that he has advantage given he was coached at Ohio State by a former NFL defensive coordinator in Matt Patricia. Hand me his failures as a head coach and project offensive coordinator all you want, but there is no denying Patricia’s pedigree as a defensive strategist. He certainly got the most out of the Buckeyes’ defense in 2025 and found ways to exploit the explosiveness Reese brings to the table as a game changer.
“One of my favorite guys to be around…He is just a joy, he is a sponge, he wants to learn,” Patricia said when making a case for Reese at No. 2 overall in the draft. “He played on, he played off the ball. When you watch his on the line of scrimmage work, his ability to set the edge of the defense. His explosive power that you see on tape, his ability to run, speed to power pass rush, compress the pocket from the backside.”
"He's the smartest player in the Draft. He's going to be the face of your franchise." -- Matt Patricia on Ohio State safety Caleb Downs.
— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) March 5, 2026
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The question is, can he translate that to the NFL level with quicker, bigger and more athletic tackles to go up again. In looking at the film, that speed and play recognition really stands out when it comes to Reese and how he can sniff out plays behind the line of scrimmage anywhere he lines up on the field. As far as rushing the passer off the edge, he has the power to bulldoze through tackles. He also uses his speed and instincts in sniffing out run plays.
But what really stands out is how natural Reese looks on the field as a leader. He possesses a great burst in his game to influence the game as a drop back linebacker or a player who can bring it off the edge. Can he be the next Parsons in the NFL is not a debate, it is just a matter of will he, and just how high his ceiling is at the next level.