The New York Giants didn’t exactly shock the world when they selected Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese fifth overall, but it did come as a relative surprise, if only because he wasn’t supposed to be there.
Reese, FanSided’s No. 1 overall prospect, was supposed to go to the Jets or Cardinals at two or three, respectively. Oops. What were Joe Schoen and John Harbaugh supposed to do -- not draft arguably the best player in the class because his role could be perceived as redundant? I will not have it.
Round 1 went about as well as it possibly could have for Big Blue, and that might be underselling it. Those who know Reese best will only have Big Blue Nation feeling even better about their new defensive demon.
Scarlet and Game's Ryan Stano will have Giants fans pressing fast forward to Week 1 with his analysis of Reese, suggesting his raw skill alone puts him in “most talented player in the draft” territory:
"Arvell Reese is perhaps the most talented player in the draft when it comes to his raw skill. His speed and athleticism on the edge make for an enticing NFL prospect. ... Expect him to be the second or third player taken in the draft."
Giants fans will love what Ohio State expert said about Arvell Reese
It will never not be a good day when the Giants take a player at five who could have gone earlier in the draft. That’s called value. Amazon warehouse can’t even match that price.
Reese is somehow still only 20 years old, coming off an impressive junior season -- his first as a starter. The 6-foot-4, 241-pounder did not disappoint. He might reside in Cleveland, but he’s got a P.O. box in the backfield, because all this guy does is live in it. The former Buckeye finished 2025 with 10.0 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks.
He’ll be used all over Dennard Wilson’s new defense, playing on the edge, standing up, and even dabbling a bit off-ball. He’ll need to add some weight and functional strength if he wants to dominate as a pass-rusher, but he has the frame to do exactly that.
Were there other options available at five? Yes. Reese’s former teammates, Caleb Downs and Sonny Styles, were likely in play until he fell right into Big Blue’s lap, flipping New York’s draft board upside down. It would have been organizational malpractice to pass on a player of his caliber, regardless of fit, scheme, or need. Teams make room for players like Reese, full stop.
A duo of Reese and Carter will feed families for a decade-plus. I just hate that I have to wait until the fall to watch one of the most talented players in the draft. Oh well, it’s a price I’m willing to pay.
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