The New York Giants’ decision to select Arvell Reese with the fifth overall pick has sparked mixed reactions within the locker room. In a recent podcast appearance with Micah Parsons, star wide receiver Malik Nabers expressed his confusion about the pick, bluntly questioning, “Where do you play him?”
Nabers highlighted the crowded edge position, where the Giants already have emerging superstar Abdul Carter, veteran Brian Burns, who recorded 16.5 sacks last year, and former top-five pick Kayvon Thibodeaux.
Despite Reese being touted as the most athletic prospect in the class, Nabers was concerned about the playing time available in such a packed roster.
Reese eventually addressed the high expectations and constant comparisons to Micah Parsons that have followed him throughout the scouting process.
In a clip shared by Giants Videos on X, the rookie took a grounded approach to the hype.
He noted that he cannot control the narratives created by others, stating, “They’re just comparisons,” and that he doesn’t focus much on them.
Nonetheless, he acknowledged the compliment, saying, “I guess it’s alright if they compare me to him; he’s a great player.”
Arvell Reese on being compared to Micah Parsons in the pre-draft process:
“They’re just comparisons, not too much I can do – I can’t control that. I guess it’s alright if they compare me to him, he’s a great player.” pic.twitter.com/UOG5fYMR3p
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) April 24, 2026
The rookie is focused on establishing his own identity rather than living in the shadow of a rival from Dallas.
Head coach John Harbaugh and GM Joe Schoen have already dismissed the notion that adding Reese requires moving Kayvon Thibodeaux.
Harbaugh shut down trade speculation during a press conference, simply asking Schoen, “We keep all the good players as much as we can, right?” to which Schoen affirmed, “Yup.”
He also envisions a “positionless” role for Reese, utilizing his versatility at both inside and WILL linebacker.
Instead of just lining up on the edge, Reese is expected to move through every gap on the line, playing alongside Tremaine Edmunds and allowing the Giants to maintain a highly flexible and aggressive defensive front.
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