The New York Giants need another pass-rusher like the ocean needs water, but that hasn’t stopped draft analysts from mocking another top-tier sack artist to them in 2026.
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Big Blue might already have Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Abdul Carter, but that's not stopping one name from continuing to pop up in mock draft results. No prospect has done more to raise his value than Ohio State's Arvell Reese. And currently armed with the second overall pick in the 2026 Draft, the Giants have a chance at ending the Thibodeaux experiment once and for all.
Reese is an intriguing prospect. He's got ideal pass-rusher size at 6-foot-4 and 243 pounds, is the most athletic outside linebacker in college football, and has the tools to be an effective run defender at the next level. In other words -- if Carter can get his act together -- pairing the Buckeye with the former Nittany Lion could form the most explosive pass-rushing duos the league has ever seen.
Jaime Eisner of the Draft Network and Blake Brockermeyer of CBS Sports both have the G-Men selecting Reese No. 2 overall, if they don't trade back with a quarterback-needy team first, of course. If they do stay and select the linebacker, expect Thibs' time in East Rutherford to come to an end.
Giants eye potential Kayvon Thibodeaux replacement in 2026 NFL Draft
To say Thibodeaux’s time in East Rutherford has been underwhelming would be an understatement. The 2022 fifth overall pick simply hasn’t lived up to the billing of his draft pedigree. And that's a shame.
Fortunately, Big Blue has some time to wade through the waters of his fate. They picked up his fifth-year option earlier in the year, meaning he's under contract through 2026.
Drafting two top-three pass rushers in back-to-back drafts would definitely send a message. And it makes sense. The 26-year-old has 2.5 sacks this season and 23.5 through 53 career games. That's just not good enough.
This was supposed to be his breakout year, but it's been anything but. Most recently, he's been battling a shoulder injury. Fans should hope for his return before the season ends so they can get a good read on whether he's still part of the future or not. Because guys are waiting in the wings.
Unfortunately, Carter’s too busy sleeping through meetings and showing up late for team prep to figure his own struggles out. The 2025 third overall pick finally registered his first full sack on Monday night against the New England Patriots. That brings his total up to an unimpressive 1.5 on the season.
Drafting another pass-rusher would be a bold move for Joe Schoen -- or whoever the general manager is come April. One thing is for certain: Kayvon Thibodeaux already has one foot out the door. If Reese continues to shine during OSU’s College Football Playoff run and Big Blue keeps its draft position, Thibs’ roster spot could disappear quickly.