Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese has established himself as one of the top 2026 NFL Draft prospects in the nation. How did he do it?
With a combination of physicality, explosiveness and scheme versatility, Reese has showed off his tremendous skillset in both getting after the passer and disrupting the pass when he drops back in coverage. With 61 tackles, 6.5 sacks and 2 pass breakups, Reese has helped lead Ohio State football to the No. 1 overall ranking and an 12-0 record.
When it comes to the 2026 NFL Draft, Reese is expected to be a top 5 pick and become an impactful player for any team who drafts him. How high of a pick can Reese be?
Arvell Reese has No. 1 overall pick potential
What’s fascination about Reese is that he wasn’t a player highly talked about heading into the season. The 6-foot-4, 243-pound linebacker has developed into one of the top playmaking defenders in the nation. In fact, he has the skillset and has displayed the type of game-changing potential that has him as a No. 1 overall pick candidate. ESPN’s Matt Miller has noted that and has Reese ranked as the No. 3 overall prospect in the draft due his burst off the edge.
Miller writes:
“Reese wasn't on the NFL draft radar before the season but has shot up the board as one of the nation's most productive and promising players. A hybrid defender who plays linebacker and edge rusher, there are obvious comparisons to Micah Parsons and Abdul Carter. Reese has the length, elite burst and power to be dangerous off the edge, as evidenced by his 6.5 sacks this season in a part-time edge role. His flexibility and athletic tools at a premium position could make Reese the No. 1 pick.”
The comparisons to both Parsons and Carter are accurate and on point, but his success in the NFL will depend on which team and what system he is drafted into. The jury is still out on Carter who went in the top 5 of the 2025 NFL Draft, but what his rookie season proves is that no matter the talent, a player can still have a hard time finding their footing at the next level. So, it’s important Reese is taken based on fit and not just based on his talent.
Let’s look at which teams would be good fits for Reese.
3 NFL teams in position to land Arvell Reese
Tennessee Titans:
With the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Titans could trade down and still get a great value pick. If they stand pat, Reese is the type of hybrid player off the edge they are looking for. The interior of their defensive line is set with Jeffery Simmons, T’Vondre Sweat and Sebastian Joseph-Day in rotation. They need a defensive game changer who can get after the quarterback. According to Miller, Reese is that type of player, a player who can change the complexion of the game on any play.
Other first round options for the Titans: Rueben Bain Jr. (EDGE), Caleb Downs (S), Jordyn Tyson (WR)
New Orleans Saints:
The Saints will be in the same position as the Titans. They hold a top 5 pick and will have an opportunity to trade down for more draft capital, especially if they pass on the any of the top draft prospects. A top need for the Saints will be replacing Cameron Jordan who is getting near the end of his NFL career. Inserting Reese into the defense will help them do that and more. With his athleticism and speed, Reese will be an instant terror in the NFC South and be a cornerstone for the Saints’ defense for years to come. With the Saints primarily utilizing a 3-4 base scheme, Reese would be in his comfort zone immediately.
Other first round options for the Saints: Rueben Bain Jr. (EDGE), Fernando Mendoza (QB), Carnell Tate (WR).
New York Giants:
The Giants having the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft makes them an intriguing team to watch in the draft. They could go in any direction, including trade down for more draft capital. They could use that pick on Reese and pair him with Abdul Carter. Imagine the Giants’ defense with both of those freak athletes coming off the edge? The Giants could address the offensive line, but drafting this high, adding another generational talent on defense would be too tempting to pass up. Watch out NFC East if the Giants land Carter and Reese in back-to-back drafts.
Other first round options for the Giants: Caleb Downs (S), Francis Mauigoa (OT/G), Carnell Tate (WR)