Can't-miss prospects are a myth in the NFL Draft, but Arvell Reese was about as close as it gets. The only question surrounding him entering the draft was whether he would dominate as an edge rusher or as an off-ball linebacker. Somehow, he fell to the New York Giants at No. 5.
Through the first six weeks of the season, the teams that passed on him are looking pretty silly. Reese has been one of the best rookies in the NFL so far and has established himself as a contender to win the Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
With over half the season left to go, Reese still has some work to do to solidify the hardware.
Giants' Arvell Reese is on a clear DROY path
Per Pro Football Focus, Reese ranks second among rookies in both tackles and run stops. He has allowed a passer rating of just 69.7 in coverage and has a sack, a fumble recovery, and an interception. The rookie is truly doing it all for Dennard Wilson's Giants defense.
While he started the season as an off-ball linebacker, Reese has seen more work as an edge rusher since Brian Burns suffered a season-ending injury. After rushing the passer 18 times across the first three weeks of the season, he has done so 46 times in the last three weeks. That versatility could earn him a few DROY votes.
The other top contenders for the award are New York Jets edge rusher David Bailey and Miami Dolphins linebacker Jacob Rodriguez. Both players have been productive in their own right, but they play for teams that likely won't be relevant later in the season. The Giants' status as a potential division champion could help Reese from a narrative standpoint.
Giants' Arvell Reese has a chance to solidify DROY status against Texans
The Giants' Week 7 game against the Houston Texans should draw plenty of attention. Both teams need the win in their fight to make the playoffs, and the Texans have been on a tear over the last two weeks. C.J. Stroud has been playing the best football of his career, building optimism that he can lead Houston to an improbable playoff appearance after its 0-4 start.
If Reese shuts down the Texans' offense, it will be another line on his DROY resume. It may take an interception, a sack, or a forced fumble to truly make a statement that the rest of the league will hear, but the rookie has it in him.
If he looks like the best player on the field for the Giants in a key victory, Reese's award case will become impossible to ignore.
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