Why Giants’ John Harbaugh raved about star rookie’s first NFL practices

The Giants need Arvell Reese to be a difference maker immediately.

And while it remains unclear whether that will actually happen in 2026, coach John Harbaugh has liked what he’s seen from Reese early on.

The Giants on Saturday held their second practice of a three-day rookie minicamp. These are low-intensity practices — glorified walk-through sessions. Harbaugh acknowledged as much after Saturday’s practice.

But for what it’s worth (at least something, but not a ton), Harbaugh has been impressed by Reese’s processing at this extremely early juncture. Reese’s physical traits have also stood out, which isn’t surprising.

“He moves like a smaller guy,” Harbaugh said of Reese, who is 6-foot-4 and 243 pounds. “He moves his feet. He can flip his hips. Very natural looking mover off the ball, which was something we saw on tape. Now we saw it on the practice field, so we feel better about it.

“Picks things up really quick. Very serious minded. Very diligent about the assignments. I don’t think he’s got one assignment wrong throughout the [first] two days, which is great to see.”

The Giants love Reese’s potential, which is why they just drafted him fifth overall and will start him immediately at weak-side linebacker, next to newly signed middle linebacker Tremaine Edmunds.

Arvel Reese is listed at +850 on FanDuel to win Defensive Rookie of the Year. Our complete FanDuel Sportsbook review shows you how to register and use their app.

Reese also has plenty of edge-rushing potential, as Harbaugh noted Saturday, while revealing a bit about how Reese will align at times.