The New York Giants began molding the team in John Harbaugh's image this offseason, and that inclued through the NFL Draft. His very first pick as Giants head coach was Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese to add to an already stacked defense. But using Reese as an off-ball linebacker has been a genius move for Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson.
That was evident on Sunday, when the Giants were on the road to take on the rival and injured Philadelphia Eagles. He's already had some big performances this season, such as in Week 3 against the Tennessee Titans and in Week 4 vs. the Arizona Cardinals. But his play in Week 9 against a hated division rival, Reese somehow topped those performances.
In the 19-11 win over the Eagles, Reese recorded 12 total tackles (10 solo), three sacks, three quarterback hits, and three tackles for loss.
Arvell Reese should be a solid favorite for Defensive Rookie of the Year
At the time of his selection, there was some confusion as to how they would use him. The Giants already had Brian Burns, Abdul Carter, and Kayvon Thibodeaux. But with Reese's unreal speed and athleticism, using him as a linebacker has been a move of genius.
Reese was all over the field during the Giants' win. His biggest play was his first sack against Eagles quarterback Joe Milton. It was a sideline hit by Reese, which forced the fumble and allowed linebacker Micah McFadden to recover it. After the game, Reese told reporters that he believes it was the hardest he's ever hit anyone in a game and that the sack was "free as a layup."
The nubmers Reese put up, it sure looks like the team got the steal of the draft. That was a message that was shared by Giants players after the game.
"When I've seen him play, I'm like, 'he's got a chance to be Rookie of the Year, if not one of the best defensive players in the league.' Seeing him play great, that's what he does every day" said Kayvon Thibodeaux, h/t SNY.
"Shoutout to the four teams that passed on him in the draft. He's special, I'm glad we drafted him," said Abdul Carter, h/t SNY.
Even though he coud have taken a victory lap for the kind of performance he had, Reese had to give credit to the coaching staff. He says without them, he would not be in a position to succeed against the Eagles.
"Really the playcalling. Coach [Dennard Wilson] puts me in those situations, allow me to go make a play, that's where it started," said Reese.
Who are the viable threats to Arvell Reese's Defensive Rookie of the Year campaign?
Reese is already considered the favorite to win the award, and that arrived before this game. His main competition is on the team that plays in the same state as Reese, which also passed on him with the second overall pick. The New York Jets instead opted to select David Bailey over Reese, feeling he was a more suitable fit in head coach Aaron Glenn's defnese as a pure pass rusher.
Entering Week 9, Bailey already had 21 solo tackles, 5.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles. In the Jets' 35-12 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, Bailey recorded nine total tackles (five solo), two sacks, and two forced fumbles. That's a strong performance for the rookie on a Jets team that just can't find ways to win games.
That is the opposite for Reese, who is putting up superstar-like performances in wins for the Giants. That should help him make his case to win the award.
Miami Dolphins linebacker Jacob Rodriguez and Washington Commanders linebacker Sonny Styles should be in the running for the award. However, both are on teams that do not look like they'll be competing in the playoffs at season's end.
As of now, it is Reese vs. Bailey for Defensive Rookie of the Year. Considering what he did in Philadelphia and all season long, he should be the favorite for the award, especially if he keeps up at his current pace.
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