By no fault of his own, New York Giants rookie linebacker Arvell Reese is already going under the radar. Between the Odell Beckham Jr. reunion, the Jaxson Dart-Abdul Carter saga, and the Knicks’ NBA Finals run, it’s becoming easy to forget Reese’s recent arrival.
Sports Illustrated’s Gilberto Manzano definitely remembers Reese, and he’s optimistic about the No. 5 pick’s potential. In fact, Manzano is relatively confident in the Giants’ defensive core, ranking the trio of Reese, Brian Burns, and Jevon Holland as the NFL’s 15th-best defensive trio.
At first glance, that might not seem like something to celebrate. However, Manzano at least believes the Giants have an above-average trio despite the Dexter Lawrence trade.
“Maybe coach John Harbaugh is the one to help this talented front reach its full potential in 2026,” Manzano wrote.
Manzano picked one pass-rusher, one linebacker, and one defensive back from each team.
How good can the trio of Arvell Reese, Brian Burns, and Jevon Holland be?
It’s hard to disagree with Manzano selecting those three as his defensive trio. Burns’ résumé speaks for itself, and he remains one of the league’s most effective pass-rushers. Holland, however, had a disappointing first year in New York, and Pro Football Focus ranked him 73rd of 98 qualified safeties.
Reese spent much of the pre-draft process linked to the Jets at No. 2, and he’ll move inside after playing edge rusher at Ohio State.
Speaking objectively, maybe this isn’t a bad time for Reese to make his NFL debut.
The Cowboys are an inconsistent, boom-or-bust franchise, as has been the case since most of the Giants’ roster was born.
Although the Eagles are two years removed from a championship, concerns are mounting about whether Jalen Hurts can truly be a franchise quarterback.
Washington showed last year that it can’t survive a Jayden Daniels injury, and he only played in seven games for the 5-12 Commanders. If the Giants’ defensive trio can play at that above-average level, maybe a winning record isn’t entirely unrealistic.
Whether or not nine wins would be enough to make the playoffs is another conversation, especially if the NFC North and NFC West both live up to expectations.
A strong rookie season from Reese could certainly go a long way in at least keeping the Giants on the “in the hunt” graphics come December.
But, perhaps above all else, this is seemingly a rare example of the national media actually finding ways to think positively about the Giants.
We know, we’re shocked, too.
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