New York Giants fans react with surprise, excitement after Arvell Reese selection

TL;DR

The New York Giants selected Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft, surprising many analysts who expected him to go higher. Reese's selection signals the Giants' commitment to enhancing their defense.

Key points

Giants selected Arvell Reese with the No. 5 overall pick
Reese is a 6-foot-4, 241-pound linebacker from Ohio State
His selection surprised many analysts who expected him to go higher
Reese's contract is projected at $47.8 million over four years
He adds depth and versatility to the Giants' defense

Mentioned in this story

Ohio State

Arvell ReeseKlutch SportsNew York Giants

The New York Giants made a stunning and unexpected selection in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft, taking Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese with the No. 5 overall pick. Many analysts had projected Reese — a 6-foot-4, 241-pound versatile defender from Cleveland — to go even higher, with several mock drafts connecting him to teams picking ahead of New York. His availability at five caught observers by surprise and immediately signaled the Giants’ aggressive approach to upgrading their front seven with a dynamic, positionless playmaker. The pick has generated strong reactions across the NFL community. Here’s what fans, analysts, and insiders are saying:

Asked a well-placed Giants source what they liked about Arvell Reese. The response:

"Everything"

— Ian O'Connor (@Ian\_OConnor) April 24, 2026 Another Edge Rusher?! Practice will be fun! pic.twitter.com/2KQoUXFXmD

— Jermaine Eluemunor (@JEluemunor) April 24, 2026 Very few of the #Giants internal mock drafts included this reality. They thought he was going No. 2, lowest No. 4.

In Reese New York gets the defensive player with the most upside.

Reese is the pick over S Caleb Downs.

— Connor Hughes (@Connor\_J\_Hughes) April 24, 2026 As the #5 overall pick, LB Arvell Reese should sign a fully guaranteed 4 year, $47.8M contract with the #Giants, including a $31.2M signing bonus.

Reese is represented by Klutch Sports.

— Spotrac (@spotrac) April 24, 2026 John Harbaugh's 1st ever Giants draft pick is Ohio State EDGE/off-ball LB Arvell Reese. 6-4, 241 pounds. He has the same agent as Kayvon Thibodeaux.

Q&A

Why did the New York Giants select Arvell Reese in the 2026 NFL draft?

The Giants selected Arvell Reese to enhance their front seven with a versatile and dynamic defender, as he was unexpectedly available at the No. 5 pick.

What is Arvell Reese's contract value with the New York Giants?

As the No. 5 overall pick, Arvell Reese is expected to sign a fully guaranteed 4-year contract worth $47.8 million, including a $31.2 million signing bonus.

How does Arvell Reese's selection impact the Giants' defense?

Reese's selection adds depth to the Giants' edge rusher room, allowing for more versatility and unique defensive strategies under head coach John Harbaugh.

What are analysts saying about Arvell Reese's potential?

Analysts believe Reese has significant upside as a defensive player, with some projecting him as a top pick in the draft due to his explosive tools and versatility.