The New York Giants have drafted Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese with the No. 5 overall pick in the NFL Draft. This selection marks the beginning of the John Harbaugh era for the Giants.
Key points
New York Giants drafted Arvell Reese with the No. 5 pick
Reese is a linebacker from Ohio State
This is the first pick of the John Harbaugh era
Reese was projected to go No. 2 to the Jets
Giants selected Reese despite having other edge players
Arvell ReeseOhio StateJohn HarbaughBrian Burns
Arvell Reese is drafted by NY Giants. What grade we give the pick
EAST RUTHERFORD - The New York Giants have selected Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese with the No. 5 overall selection in the first round of the NFL Draft, the first pick of the John Harbaugh era.
The 6-foot-4, 243-pound Reese had been pegged to go No. 2 to the Jets since the Combine, but there was recent speculation that he could slide a few spots if the Jets' Aaron Glenn and GM Darren Mougey went edge David Bailey of Texas Tech, which is exactly what they did.
With Reese on the board for the Giants, they could not pass on him. Sure, his projection may be as an edge player, selecting him might be overkill with Brian Burns, Abdul Carter and Kayvon Thibodeaux - even if Thibodeaux emerges as a trade chip - on the roster.
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA;Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs poses with his parents Gary Downs and Tanya Shorter Downs on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jeremiyah Love poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Q&A
Who is Arvell Reese and what position does he play?
Arvell Reese is a linebacker from Ohio State, drafted by the New York Giants.
What was Arvell Reese's draft position in the NFL Draft?
Arvell Reese was selected with the No. 5 overall pick in the first round of the NFL Draft.
Why did the Giants select Arvell Reese instead of other players?
The Giants selected Reese because he was the best player available, despite speculation he might slide in the draft.
How does Arvell Reese's selection impact the Giants' roster?
Reese's selection adds depth to the linebacker position, potentially impacting the roles of current players like Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux.
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But Reese has also stood out as an off-ball linebacker, and it's possible they wind up playing him there and just figuring out the best plan to make all of it work. Talent is talent.
