The New York Giants entered Thursday night’s NFL Draft eyeing immediate improvement. They had the No. 5 and No. 10 picks in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, the only team with two top-10 picks.
In a surprise twist, because, you know, it’s the NFL Draft, the Giants might have landed the most talented player in the entire draft. New York drafted Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese with their first selection.
Many believed the former Buckeye was going to get drafted second or third overall. Instead, the New York Jets took a more NFL-ready David Bailey out of Texas Tech. That was followed by the Arizona Cardinals selecting Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, and the Tennessee Titans selecting Reese’s college teammate, Carnell Tate.
That left the Giants sitting there with the potential steal of the draft falling in their lap.
Arvell Reese at No. 5 pick for the Giants a Steal?
Following an outstanding career at Ohio State, Reese impressed scouts even more at the NFL Combine. He put his athleticism and versatility on display for all to see.
The newest Giants defender is considered a hybrid off-ball/edge rusher who can make plays against the run and the pass.
Despite a 6-foot-4 frame, he has the ability to get under blockers and gain the edge. That is where his quickness and explosiveness truly shines. But his ability as an off-ball linebacker helps elevate his value. He has the size and strength to take on offensive lineman reaching the second level to shed blocks and make plays. He also has excellent closing speed, so even when playing with depth, Reese can make up ground quickly if the wrong defensive call was in place.
Maybe the biggest, and only, question of this pick was fit.
The Giants drafted Abdul Carter last year in the first round of the NFL Draft. He isn’t going anywhere anytime soon and is likely a star in the making on the edge. New York also Brian Burns and even Kayvon Thibodeaux on the roster.
Granted, Thibodeaux may very well be on the move before his rookie contract expires. But Burns and Carter will certainly be playing the majority of the snaps on the edge.
Look for New York to utilize Reese’s ability in coverage and as a depth linebacker. But cream rises to the top, and if Reese realizes his full potential, it is only a matter of time Giants coaches can’t possibly take him off of the field.
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