The New York Giants selected linebacker Arvell Reese with the fifth overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft. Reese praised veteran linebacker Tremaine Edmunds as one of his favorite players.
Key points
Giants selected Arvell Reese with the fifth overall pick
Reese is a linebacker from Ohio State
Reese is 6-foot-4 and weighs 241 pounds
Tremaine Edmunds is one of Reese's favorite players
Reese is expected to impact the Giants' defense
New York GiantsArvell ReeseTremaine EdmundsNFL Draft 2026
Giants' Tremaine Edmunds is a favorite of first-round pick Arvell Reese
The New York Giants selected Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese with the fifth overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.
At 6-foot-4, 241 pounds, Reese is an extremely talented linebacker who will more than likely make an immediate impact on the Giants’ defense next season. The former Ohio State star was considered to be one of the top overall players in this year’s draft, as Reese should find no problem in finding his role on an already young and impressive Giants’ defensive unit.
Reese recently spoke to the media on Friday, and the rising star credited veteran linebacker Tremaine Edmunds for being one of his favorite players at the position.
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Q&A
Who did the New York Giants select in the 2026 NFL draft?
The New York Giants selected linebacker Arvell Reese with the fifth overall pick.
What position does Arvell Reese play?
Arvell Reese plays linebacker.
Why is Tremaine Edmunds significant to Arvell Reese?
Arvell Reese considers Tremaine Edmunds one of his favorite players at the linebacker position.
What impact is Arvell Reese expected to have on the Giants' defense?
Arvell Reese is expected to make an immediate impact on the Giants' defense next season.
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"As a linebacker, I wouldn't say I model my game after nobody, but there's a bunch of players I can remember growing up. Right now, I think my favorite linebacker would be like Fred Warner, Tremaine Edmunds is one of those guys," he said. "Guys like that."
Reese continued to go in-depth on Edmunds’ style of play.
"One thing I like about his game, he's a rangy linebacker. He can clear ground fast, sideline to sideline. He plays the game fast. He plays it how it's supposed to be played," Reese said.
Reese and Edmunds are expected to play crucial everyday roles throughout their first season as Giants. Edmunds could quickly emerge as an excellent mentor for Reese during his rookie campaign, as each linebacker has a plethora of talent in addition to elite speed and athleticism.
Reese recorded 69 total tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, and 6.0 sacks across his third and final season at Ohio State in 2025. The linebacker played an essential part in the Buckeyes’ 2024 National Championship run as well, as Reese will look to pick up right where he left off at Ohio State throughout his rookie season in New York.
Edmunds and Reese are expected to continue working together and creating chemistry during training camp this summer, as the linebackers may very well emerge as an elite defensive duo in 2026.
