Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese has made a significant leap in the rankings for the 2026 NFL Draft, with recent projections linking him to the New York Jets. This offseason, the narrative surrounding the draft is shifting, focusing more on defensive versatility rather than the typical emphasis on quarterbacks.
Reese has emerged as a standout prospect, drawing comparisons to a lottery selection in the professional leagues due to his considerable upside. His collegiate performance has showcased impressive statistics, but it is his physical attributes that suggest even greater potential at the next level. As a hybrid defender, Reese possesses the unique capability to disrupt opposing offenses from various positions on the field.
In his latest draft projections following Super Bowl LX, CBS Sports analyst Mike Renner has placed Reese at the second overall spot for the Jets. Renner points to the linebacker”s physical tools as the main factor for this high ranking, acknowledging that while Reese is still refining his technical skills, his raw talent is unmistakable. In his analysis, Renner describes Reese as the “NFL version of a lottery pick,” highlighting his unrealized potential.
Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 243 pounds, Reese is characterized as a “decidedly different” athlete compared to recent hybrid stars in the league. However, the trend of converting off-ball athletes into edge rushers continues to be popular among NFL front offices. Coming off a strong season with the Buckeyes, Reese solidified his role in the team”s defense, recording 69 total tackles and 10 tackles for loss during his junior campaign. His performance also included 6.5 sacks and five quarterback hurries, earning him accolades such as Big Ten Linebacker of the Year and consensus All-American status.
Another respected analyst, Dane Brugler from The Athletic, has also placed Reese at the top of his midseason rankings, praising his explosive movement. NFL analyst Lance Zierlein referred to the Buckeye as a “perfect storm of chaos” for opposing offensive coordinators. While Zierlein notes that Reese”s hand usage is still a work in progress, he emphasizes that his closing speed is elite.
Some scouts have raised concerns regarding Reese”s experience in diagnosing plays at the speed of the professional game. An anonymous executive from the AFC mentioned that the linebacker must determine whether to focus on rushing the passer or playing in coverage to fully harness his potential. Despite these developmental aspects, the consensus among analysts is that his length and speed make him a worthy early investment in the draft.
The 2026 NFL Draft is set to commence on April 23 in Pittsburgh, and Reese”s trajectory will be closely monitored by teams looking to bolster their defenses.
