NY Giants NFL Draft 2026: Arvell Reese ‘always thinking violence’

TL;DR

Arvell Reese was selected as the No. 5 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft by the New York Giants. He expressed immense excitement about the opportunity and celebrated with his family.

Key points

Arvell Reese was selected No. 5 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft
He was drafted by the New York Giants
Reese is a former linebacker from Ohio State
He expressed excitement about the opportunity
He celebrated the moment with his family

Arvell ReeseOhio StateNew York Giants

Arvell Reese | Tom Horak-Imagn Images

The moment is finally settling in for Arvell Reese.

Just over a day after hearing his name called as the No. 5 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft by the New York Giants, the former Ohio State linebacker says the experience has been nothing but excitement.

“It’s been nothing but excitement, man,” Reese said. “I spent some time with my family after. Nothing but excitement, I’m going to be honest.”

Reese returned to the Giants’ facility on Friday after previously going through a pre-draft ‘30’ visit, and said the atmosphere now feels completely different from that first introduction.

“It’s unreal being in the building,” he said. “It felt like time flew by. I was just on the 30 visit not too long ago. I feel unreal being here. I’m excited for it.”

The Giants made Reese the centerpiece of their defensive future after a breakout season at Ohio State, where he emerged as one of the most versatile defenders in college football. But before the draft, it was the personal connections with New York’s coaching staff that stood out most to him.

Reese said conversations with defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson and linebackers coach Frank Bush helped solidify his comfort with the organization.

“I went to dinner with Coach Dennard Wilson and Coach Bush. We had a great conversation, a great long conversation,” Reese said. “I just felt like I could relate to those guys so much. They kept it real with me. They gave me some tips and pointers on how to move throughout my rookie year. And with Coach Harbaugh, we had a great conversation as well.”

As he begins his NFL career in New York, Reese admits he’s still learning the city—only having briefly visited Manhattan during his draft process.

“It was busy down there, yeah,” he said with a smile.

Now, he joins a Giants defense that already features major talent, including Tremaine Edmunds, and one he says he’s eager to learn from immediately.

One phrase that has followed Reese throughout the draft process is “fast and violent,” a description often tied to his style of play and the Ravens’ defensive identity under head coach John Harbaugh.